Road Hazard Car Accidents: Who’s Responsible for Your Injuries?
A sudden road hazard can send your vehicle out of control in an instant. One moment the road looks clear—then a pothole, debris, or uneven pavement causes a crash you couldn’t avoid. While it may feel like the accident was your fault, many road-hazard collisions happen because someone else failed to keep the roadway safe.
If a dangerous road condition caused your injuries, you may have the right to hold the responsible party accountable. At Applebaum Accident Group, we help injured victims rebuild their lives by demanding justice from negligent drivers, contractors, property owners, and government entities that create or ignore dangerous road conditions.
We Hold Negligent Parties Accountable
Our firm is committed to standing up for injured victims throughout Florida. When a hazardous roadway causes a serious crash, we step in to investigate, uncover the cause, and pursue full financial compensation on your behalf.
We are not afraid to take on cities, construction contractors, major insurance carriers, or large companies that try to avoid responsibility. Our attorneys build strong cases supported by evidence, expert analysis, and a deep understanding of Florida’s injury laws.
Common Road Hazards That Cause Serious Accidents
Road hazards are dangerous because drivers often have no warning and no time to react. Even a safe, cautious driver can lose control when faced with an unexpected obstacle.
Common hazards include:
-
Large potholes and sinkholes
-
Heat-warped or uneven pavement
-
Flooded roads, washouts, or collapsed bridges
-
Loose or raised manhole covers
-
Construction debris or equipment left in lanes
-
Grooved or unfinished pavement
-
Cargo falling from commercial trucks
-
Fallen trees, limbs, or other debris
Any of these hazards can cause a driver to veer off the road, collide with a fixed object, or strike another vehicle—resulting in devastating injuries.
Injuries Often Seen in Road Hazard Crashes
Road-hazard accidents often happen at highway speeds, leading to severe or life-altering injuries such as:
-
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
-
Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
-
Disc herniations and fractures
-
Internal injuries
-
Limb injuries or amputations
-
Severe burns
-
Whiplash and soft-tissue injuries
-
Fatal injuries
These injuries require immediate care, ongoing treatment, and long-term financial support. A single hazardous roadway can change an entire family’s life.
Who Can Be Liable for a Road Hazard Accident?
Determining liability can be complex. Several parties may be responsible for creating the hazard or failing to remove it:
Government Entities
Cities, counties, and the state are responsible for maintaining public roads. They can be liable for failing to fix hazards, install warnings, or close unsafe roads.
Construction Companies & Engineers
Road crews, contractors, and engineering firms may be responsible for:
-
Poor road design
-
Dangerous construction zones
-
Inadequate signage
-
Using improper materials
Manufacturers
Defective guardrails, road materials, or safety equipment can create hazards that lead to accidents.
Property Owners
If debris or objects fall from private property into the road, the owner may be responsible.
Vehicle Owners & Trucking Companies
Loose cargo, equipment, or poorly secured loads that fall onto the roadway can create immediate danger.
Protecting Your Claim: Document the Hazard if You Can
Road hazards often disappear quickly during cleanup or repairs. If you’re able to do so safely, documenting the scene can strengthen your claim:
-
Take photos or video of the hazard from multiple angles
-
Get witness information
-
Make notes of what happened
-
Ensure the police report mentions the hazard
Your safety always comes first. If you can’t document the scene, we can still investigate and gather evidence on your behalf.
How PIP Insurance Affects Your Case
Florida drivers must first use their Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits to cover initial medical expenses and lost wages. You may pursue a liability claim if you suffered:
-
Permanent injuries
-
Significant loss of bodily function
-
Permanent scarring or disfigurement
-
A fatal injury to a loved one
Our attorneys can evaluate whether your injuries meet Florida’s threshold for filing a claim outside the no-fault system.
Compensation You May Be Entitled To
Depending on your injuries and the impact on your life, you may recover damages for:
Economic Losses
-
Medical bills
-
Future medical care
-
Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
-
Rehabilitation and therapy
-
Home care costs
-
Funeral expenses (in fatal cases)
Non-Economic Losses
-
Pain and suffering
-
Emotional distress
-
Loss of enjoyment of life
-
Loss of companionship or support
-
Permanent disability or disfigurement
Punitive Damages
Available in cases involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct.
Common Defenses You May Face
Responsible parties often fight hard to avoid paying victims. They may argue:
-
Sovereign immunity (for government entities)
-
They had no notice of the hazard
-
The danger was an “Act of God”
-
You were partially at fault (comparative negligence)
At Applebaum Accident Group, we know these tactics—and we know how to challenge them.
Injured Because of a Road Hazard? We’re Ready to Help.
If a dangerous road condition caused your accident, you deserve answers and accountability. Our team is here to protect your rights, investigate the hazard, and pursue full compensation.
Schedule a consultation today.
📞 Call (855-Call-Paul)
Applebaum Accident Group
📩 Or request your case review online anytime.
