Poor Road Design

Road defects are a major cause of accidents, and poor road design is one of the most dangerous forms of negligence. When roads are improperly designed, they can create hazardous driving conditions that increase the risk of accidents. Poor road designs can include everything from sharp curves and shoulder drop-offs to inadequate drainage systems, all of which make the road unsafe for drivers. The Prince George’s County car accident lawyers at Foran & Foran, P.A. are dedicated to representing victims who have been injured due to poor road design and other road defects, such as potholes, lack of signage, and uneven pavement.

If you've been hurt in an accident due to poor road design in Prince George's County, the attorneys at Foran & Foran are here to help. We will thoroughly examine the road conditions that contributed to the incident and work to hold those responsible accountable. Get in touch with us today to discuss your case and learn how we can assist you in pursuing the compensation the law entitles.

Poor road design refers to any road feature or layout that fails to meet safety standards, making it more likely for drivers to be involved in accidents. A road’s design should provide adequate visibility, safe turns, appropriate speed limits, and clear guidance for drivers. When these elements are lacking, the risk of serious accidents increases. Examples of poor road design include:

• Sharp, blind curves—curves that are too sharp or not properly marked can cause drivers to lose control, especially at high speeds;
• Inadequate drainage—roads that fail to drain water properly can lead to water pooling, increasing the risk of hydroplaning during wet weather conditions;
• Improperly designed intersections—intersections with a poor road design that lack sufficient traffic signals or have confusing layouts can lead to collisions, particularly when drivers misinterpret the right of way; and
• Steep drop-offs without guardrails—roads with steep shoulders or cliffs must have guardrails to prevent vehicles from veering off the road. The absence of these safety features makes such roads particularly dangerous.

These examples highlight how poor road design can lead to accidents, putting drivers and passengers at serious risk. A Prince George's County poor road design lawyer can help you determine whether the road conditions that caused your accident meet the criteria for poor design.

Several specific issues arise when road designs fail to prioritize driver safety.

When roads lack proper drainage, water can pool during heavy rainfall, making it difficult for vehicles to maintain traction. Hydroplaning occurs when a car’s tires lose contact with the road due to excess water, leading to loss of control. Water pooling is a clear sign of poor road design, and municipalities or designers responsible for the roadway may be held liable for accidents caused by this defect.

Drivers need sufficient warning when approaching a sharp curve. A well-designed road will have signage alerting drivers to reduce speed, and the curve will be properly engineered to minimize risks. However, in cases of poor design, curves may be too sharp for the road’s speed limit, or there may be a lack of proper signage, causing unsuspecting drivers to crash.

A safe road design includes an adequate shoulder for drivers to pull off in emergencies. Roads with no shoulder or steep shoulder drop-offs can be highly hazardous, particularly if a driver needs to swerve to avoid an accident. Without a proper shoulder, vehicles are more likely to veer off the road, leading to potentially fatal accidents.

Responsibility for poor road design generally falls on the government entities or contractors responsible for road construction. In Prince George’s County, this could include the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) or local municipal authorities overseeing road projects. In some cases, private contractors involved in road construction or maintenance may also be liable.

If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident caused by poor road design, the experienced attorneys at Foran & Foran, P.A. are ready to assist you. Poor road design can contribute to dangerous driving conditions, and holding the responsible parties accountable is crucial. Our Prince George’s County car accident lawyers have the knowledge and skill to navigate these complex cases and fight for the compensation you deserve. Call us at 301-441-2022 or fill out our secure online contact form to schedule a free consultation. We proudly represent clients in Hyattsville, Bowie, Upper Marlboro, Waldorf, La Plata, Silver Spring, Rockville and the surrounding areas.