Buffalo Road Hazard Accident Lawyer
Not all car accidents are caused by other drivers. Sometimes, the road itself is the problem. From potholes and poor signage to debris and missing guardrails, road hazards are a serious threat to drivers throughout Buffalo and Western New York. When an accident occurs due to these dangerous conditions, injury victims have the right to pursue compensation—and a Buffalo road hazard accident lawyer can help.
Brown Chiari LLP represents individuals who have suffered injuries due to unsafe roads. We understand how complex these cases can be and are committed to helping clients recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages resulting from motor vehicle accidents.
What Is a Road Hazard Accident?
A road hazard accident involves a crash or collision caused not by another driver, but by poor road conditions. These conditions may be the result of negligence on the part of local or state agencies, contractors, or even private property owners. When a road is not properly maintained or constructed, it can pose a serious risk to anyone using it.
Common road hazards that cause car accidents include:
- Uneven pavement or large potholes
- Construction debris or equipment left in the roadway
- Malfunctioning traffic signals or missing signage
- Faded lane markings
- Poor lighting or obstructed views
- Loose gravel or slippery road surfaces
In many cases, these conditions contribute to rear end collisions, head on collisions, sideswipe accidents, or other types of car crashes. If the accident occurred due to a preventable hazard, you may be entitled to financial compensation.
Injuries Caused by Road Hazard Crashes
Motor vehicle accidents caused by road hazards can lead to a wide range of injuries, including:
- Broken bones
- Spinal injuries
- Neck injuries
- Internal injuries
- Bodily injuries
- Traumatic brain injury
- Severe injuries and catastrophic injuries
Victims may also experience long-term effects, including chronic pain, emotional trauma, and post traumatic stress disorder. It’s critical to seek medical attention right away and document the injuries sustained, especially when pursuing a personal injury claim.
Who Is Responsible for a Road Hazard Accident?
Determining liability in a road hazard case can be complex. Unlike a typical car crash where an at fault driver may be held responsible, road hazard claims often involve public entities or construction companies. Potentially liable parties include:
- City or county governments
- State agencies, such as the New York State Department of Transportation
- Contractors responsible for road repairs or signage
- Private property owners with adjacent hazards affecting public roads
To file a successful accident claim, your attorney must prove that the responsible party knew or should have known about the dangerous condition and failed to address it in a timely manner.
Insurance and Compensation After a Road Hazard Accident
Dealing with the insurance company after an accident involving a road hazard can be especially frustrating. Whether you’re filing with your own insurance company or the at fault party’s, adjusters may attempt to minimize your claim.
Buffalo drivers involved in serious car accidents may face:
- Expensive medical expenses and ongoing care
- Lost income due to time off work
- Permanent disability from severe injuries
- Vehicle repairs and replacement costs
Our legal team can help you pursue an insurance claim for bodily injuries and other losses. Depending on the details of your policy, no fault insurance and collision insurance may also provide coverage. In some cases, you may need to pursue uninsured motorist coverage if another driver swerved or contributed to the crash and fled the scene.
We also handle cases involving uninsured drivers, drunk drivers, and distracted driving where road conditions contributed to the crash. No matter the circumstances, our attorneys will fight to secure fair compensation.
How a Buffalo Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
At Brown Chiari LLP, we have extensive experience handling car accident cases across Erie County and the greater Buffalo region. Our attorneys understand the unique challenges that road hazard accidents present and know how to build a strong case using accident reports, police reports, expert testimony, and roadway inspection records.
We represent clients in a wide range of personal injury cases involving:
- Car accidents caused by road conditions
- Rear end collisions and head on collisions
- Fatal crashes and wrongful death claims
- Common car accident injuries such as head injuries and spinal injuries
- Injury victims with mounting medical bills and lost wages
If you’ve suffered a serious injury in a Buffalo car accident, don’t let an insurance company decide what your case is worth. Our law firm is here to help you recover compensation for the full scope of your damages.
Common Car Accident Injuries in Road Hazard Cases
Many people underestimate how dangerous poor road conditions can be. Common injuries sustained in these types of traffic accidents include:
- Neck injuries from sudden stops or impacts
- Broken bones from high-impact collisions
- Internal injuries from striking steering wheels or airbags
- Head injuries and traumatic brain injuries
- Soft tissue injuries and bodily injuries from being jolted inside the vehicle
These injuries may require ongoing medical care, therapy, and rehabilitation. The costs can quickly overwhelm accident victims, especially when coupled with lost wages and reduced earning ability.
What to Do After a Road Hazard Accident
If you were involved in a road hazard crash, take the following steps:
- Seek medical attention immediately
- Report the accident to law enforcement
- Document the road condition with photos or videos
- Request copies of police reports and accident reports
- Contact a car accident lawyer with experience in road hazard cases
The sooner you take action, the better your chances of preserving important evidence and filing your claim before legal deadlines under New York law.
Learn more about your rights from a Buffalo road hazard accident lawyer. Call Brown Chiari LLP at (716) 681-7190 to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. You can also reach us anytime through our contact page. Let us help you take the first step toward justice and recovery.
FAQ: Buffalo Road Hazard Accident Lawyer
Who is responsible for a road hazard accident in Buffalo?
Responsibility may lie with a government agency, contractor, or private party that failed to maintain the roadway. An attorney can investigate to identify all liable parties.
Can I sue the city or state for an unsafe road?
In some cases, yes—but claims against public entities in New York must follow specific procedures and filing deadlines. An experienced accident lawyer can guide you through the process.
What damages can I recover in a road hazard accident claim?
You may recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, vehicle repairs, and more. If the accident resulted in a serious injury or death, higher compensation may be possible.
Will my own insurance company cover a road hazard accident?
Depending on your coverage, your own insurance company may pay under no fault insurance or collision insurance. However, they may still try to reduce payouts. Legal representation can help you obtain fair compensation.
What should I do if the accident occurred in poor weather and on bad roads?
You should still report the accident and consult a lawyer. Even in difficult conditions, a poorly maintained road may be a contributing factor, and you may still be eligible for financial compensation.