In exchange for your tax dollars, one of the things the government must do is provide safe roadways. For example, if Caltrans knows that a road is unsafe because there have been many reported accidents at a certain intersection, and the state does nothing to try to prevent accidents there, the agency could be liable for damages to motorists injured at that intersection. However, if no one at Caltrans knew the intersection was dangerous, the agency may not be liable.
Report dangerous conditions
One way courts establish liability for dangerous road conditions is to review prior reports of dangerous conditions from citizens. Reporting hazardous road conditions to Caltrans serves two purposes: First, it increases the likelihood that Caltrans will repair the condition. Second, it documents that a California citizen is concerned about traffic safety at that location.
If you notice a traffic sign is obstructed by a tree, or that the posted speed for a curve seems too high, or that lane markings have faded so they’re virtually invisible, report it to Caltrans.
If you’ve been injured because of a hazardous road condition, call the attorneys at TorkLaw to determine if you have a claim.
Photo by Patsy Lynch (This image is from the FEMA Photo Library.) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
