Dangerous Road Accident Lawyers in Orange County
When Hazardous Road Conditions Lead to Injury
Most traffic accidents are caused by driver error, but some are caused by dangerous roads. Faulty road design, construction, or maintenance contributes to a significant number of wrecks. One in every five crashes involves a single-vehicle roadway departure, as stated in an article in Forbes. More than 8,000 people are killed in single-vehicle rollovers in the U.S. every year. When a car runs off the road, collides with a fixed object, or rolls over, dangerous road conditions are often a major contributing factor.
Any car accident can be devastating. Hazardous road accidents add an extra element of danger, as it can be difficult to drive defensively for something you may not even be able to see. If you have been injured in a dangerous road accident, you deserve compensation and justice. It can be difficult to know just who is responsible for the maintenance of the road you were injured on, which is why you need a strong legal defense team at your side. The OC car accident attorneys at Allen Flatt Ballidis & Leslie have four decades of experience that we are happy to use to help our clients receive the damages they need. Contact us today for a free initial consultation.
What Conditions Make Roads Dangerous?
There are countless conditions that can make a road unsafe. Unfortunately, that also means there are countless ways to make an accident more likely to occur. You can help keep yourself, the drivers around you, and your passengers safe by keeping an eye out for conditions such as:
- Potholes
- Missing guardrails and barriers
- Shoulder drop-offs
- Poor road design
- Dangerous curves
- Hazardous slopes and dips
- Confusing road signs
- Missing road signs
- Inadequate drainage leading to ponding or hydroplaning when it rains
- Pavement with inadequate resistance to skidding
- Lack of warning about changes in road surfaces
- Faint or poorly painted lines
- Wheel ruts and uneven road surfaces
- Unsafe construction zones
What Are the Most Dangerous Roads and Intersections in Orange County?
Intersections are incredibly common areas for accidents to occur. Not everyone pays attention to road signs, or even to the drivers around them. When the intersection is made dangerous by lacking the necessary signage, not being properly paved, or having nit been salted after a snowstorm, then the likelihood of an accident skyrockets. Orange County, like most everywhere else in the world, has its share of dangerous roads and intersections. Be careful and attentive on the following roads:
Santiago Canyon Road: This road has been called the “road of death” for good reason. It is one of the most dangerous roads in Orange County, particularly at the point where it intersects with Jamboree Road and turns into Chapman Avenue.
State Highway 74, also known as the Ortega Highway: This road connects Orange County to Riverside and travels through Cleveland National forest. Ortega Highway has a high number of motorcycle accidents. Riders are drawn to its scenic views, open stretches, tight turns, and taverns, which make it a high trafficked area.
Laguna Canyon Road: This road has been long recognized as among the most dangerous in Orange County, particularly late at night or in the early morning hours. There have been many cases of impaired driving accidents here.
Some of the most dangerous intersections in Orange County to be on the lookout for are:
- 17th Street and Fairview Street in Santa Ana
- Chapman Avenue and Gilbert Street in Garden Grove
- Bristol Street and W McFadden Avenue in Santa Ana
- Bristol Street N and Campus Drive
- County Highway S18 and Montcliff Drive in Lake Forest
Who Can Be Held Liable for Dangerous Road Accidents?
When dangerous road conditions contribute to a crash, the government entity responsible for designing or maintaining the roads may be liable. The government may have immunity from liability in certain situations, but there is an exception to the rule in the case of negligence. Government entities have a responsibility to provide safe roads for motorists, which means roads must be regularly maintained and safely designed to begin with. If the government knew, or should have known, about an unsafe road condition, it has a responsibility to fix the road and adequately warn motorists of the hazard in the meantime. If the government breaches its duty and that results in an accident, the entity may be held liable for resulting injuries.
Why You Need An Attorney
Government agencies have built-in strong defenses. They often argue that accidents are caused by driver error, rather than road conditions. Proving liability in a dangerous road accident can be challenging. It requires a thorough investigation of the accident site, including its previous history and measuring and photographing skid marks. It may require hiring an engineer who is an expert in road design to determine the angle and speed at which the car left the road.
Why Choose Us?
Our Orange County personal injury lawyers at Allen Flatt Ballidis & Leslie have the knowledge, skills, and resources to effectively represent you in a dangerous road accident claim. We have won hundreds of millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for our clients. Our attorneys have decades of experience – since the firm was officially founded in 1974. We offer a free consultation with no time limits or restrictions, and we work on a contingency fee basis. Call us at (949) 752-7474 to schedule a consultation if you have been injured in a dangerous road accident.
Hazardous Road Accident Verdicts and Settlements
- $75,000 - Bicyclist receives facial injury due to roadway defect
Click here for more case results.
Additional Information
- Who is Most at Risk on California Roads?
- Car Accidents In Construction Zones
- Ortega Highway is Deadly and Caltrans Does Nothing To Fix It
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You were wonderful throughout my case. Thank you so much for taking the time to explain the process so that I could feel comfortable. When I was hurt, I really did not know where to turn and Suzanne was comforting and knowledgable. Thanks again for all you did.
- H.P.
