Objects on the Road

Accidents caused by objects on the road can happen in an instant, leaving drivers with little time to react and serious consequences to face. Whether debris from a construction site, fallen branches, or improperly secured cargo, these unexpected hazards can lead to devastating collisions. Poor road maintenance or negligent actions from various parties are often at the root of these dangerous situations.

When an unexpected object on the road causes a collision and leaves you injured in Prince George's County, it’s important to have knowledgeable legal support on your side. At Foran & Foran, P.A., we work tirelessly to protect your rights, uncover the details of the accident, hold the responsible parties accountable, and pursue the compensation necessary for your recovery. Reach out to us today to learn how we can help you take the next steps toward getting your life back on track.

Objects on the road can lead to a wide range of accidents, many of which result in serious injuries. Drivers often have little to no time to react when encountering an unexpected obstacle, and the consequences can be severe. Some common accidents include the following:

• Rear-end collisions —when drivers swerve suddenly to avoid objects on the road, the vehicles behind them may not have enough time to stop, leading to rear-end crashes;
• Vehicle rollovers—hitting larger objects, such as debris from construction sites or improperly secured cargo, can cause a vehicle to lose balance and roll over, especially for vehicles with higher centers of gravity, such as SUVs and trucks;
• Single-vehicle accidents—drivers may swerve off the road to avoid an obstruction, resulting in crashes with trees, guardrails, or other fixed objects; and
• Multi-vehicle pileups—on highways or heavily trafficked roads, an initial crash caused by road obstructions can quickly escalate into a multi-car pileup, especially when drivers don't have time to react.

The aftermath of these accidents can leave victims with serious injuries, significant property damage, and long-term medical and financial burdens. A Prince George's County road defect lawyer can help determine if negligence, such as improper road maintenance or unsecured loads, contributed to the object being on the road.

Road obstructions can come from various sources, and their presence on the road is often the result of negligence. Some of the most common road obstructions include:

• Debris from construction sites. Materials like wood, nails, or equipment left behind after roadwork can easily cause accidents when they fall onto the road. If the responsible parties fail to secure or clean up after their work, this can be linked to construction negligence.
• Unsecured cargo. When commercial trucks fail to secure their cargo properly, items can spill onto the road, creating dangerous obstacles for other drivers. This is especially hazardous on highways where vehicles are moving at high speeds.
• Fallen trees or branches. Natural causes, such as storms or high winds, can cause trees or branches to fall onto the road, obstructing the roadway and causing accidents.
• Litter and debris. Items like blown-out tires, trash, or car parts left on the road can cause significant damage to vehicles and put drivers at risk of losing control.

Each obstruction poses a different type of risk, but the outcome can be equally dangerous. When drivers encounter debris or objects on the road, they often have little time to react, increasing the chances of an accident. An experienced lawyer can help establish liability and hold the responsible parties accountable.

Determining liability in road obstruction accidents can be complex, as several parties may share responsibility depending on the nature of the object. Some of the parties that may be held accountable include:

• Construction companies. If the debris or object came from a construction site, the company responsible for the site may be held liable for failing to clean up properly after its work.
• Municipalities. In cases where road maintenance falls short, such as failing to clear fallen trees or repair damaged infrastructure, local government entities may be liable for accidents caused by those conditions.
• Truck drivers and cargo companies. When cargo spills from a truck due to improper loading or securing, the truck driver, the company responsible for the load, or both may be held accountable for the resulting road hazard.

A skilled attorney will thoroughly investigate the accident to determine who is at fault and build a strong case to hold them accountable for your injuries.

If an object being left in the roadway played a role in your recent car accident, turn to the trusted injury attorneys at Foran & Foran, P.A. We have the experience and resources needed to take on negligent drivers, corporations, property owners and government agencies alike. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 301-441-2022 or filling out our secure online contact form. We proudly represent clients in Hyattsville, Bowie, Upper Marlboro, Waldorf, La Plata, Silver Spring, Rockville and the surrounding areas.