Potholes

Potholes may seem like a minor nuisance to many drivers, but they can cause significant damage and lead to dangerous accidents, especially when left unrepaired. Poor road maintenance and environmental factors can quickly turn a small crack into a hazardous pothole, jeopardizing the safety of everyone on the road. Foran & Foran, P.A. is committed to helping those injured by road defects such as potholes, poor road design, water pooling, and uneven pavement.

If you've been injured in an accident caused by a pothole, it's essential to act quickly. Our team of experienced Prince George's County car accident lawyers will assess the conditions that led to your accident, identify those responsible for the road defect, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact Foran & Foran today to learn how we can help you pursue justice.

Potholes form due to roadways' natural wear and tear, often exacerbated by environmental factors and insufficient road maintenance. The process typically begins with cracks in the road surface, allowing water to seep. When temperatures fluctuate, the water expands and contracts, weakening the pavement. Over time, traffic worsens the damage, leading to the formation of potholes.

Potholes are often left unaddressed due to municipal or construction negligence. When local governments or construction companies fail to maintain the roads or address hazards promptly, they put drivers at risk. Whether caused by municipal negligence or poor road design, potholes can become a serious hazard that leads to accidents, property damage, and injury.

Potholes can cause much more than just minor vehicle damage . Hitting a pothole at high speeds or congested areas can significantly harm vehicles and passengers. Some of the most common damages include:

• Vehicle Damage—potholes can cause flat tires, bent rims, damaged suspensions, and alignment issues, leading to expensive repairs or, in some cases, total vehicle loss;
• Accident—drivers who attempt to avoid potholes or lose control after hitting one may veer off the road or into other vehicles, leading to multi-car collisions or single-vehicle crashes;
• Physical injuries—passengers in vehicles involved in pothole-related accidents may suffer from whiplash, broken bones, head injuries, or other severe traumas; and
• Fatalities—in extreme cases, pothole-related accidents, especially those involving larger vehicles like trucks or buses, can result in fatalities.

Potholes are more than just an inconvenience—they can lead to serious accidents with long-lasting consequences. Some common ways potholes contribute to accidents include:

• Loss of control—hitting a large pothole at high speed can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles, especially in poor weather conditions or on busy highways;
• Swerving—drivers who swerve to avoid potholes may inadvertently collide with other vehicles or objects, increasing the likelihood of multi-car pileups or single-car crashes;
• Tire blowouts—potholes can cause tires to blow out, especially if the tire is already worn or the vehicle is traveling at high speeds;and
• Rollovers—larger vehicles such as trucks or SUVs are at higher risk of rolling over after hitting a deep or large pothole, resulting in severe injuries or even fatalities.

These accidents highlight the serious dangers potholes pose on the road, especially when paired with other road defects like poor road design or water pooling. Holding the responsible parties accountable is critical when these hazards cause accidents.

Determining liability in pothole-related accidents can be complex. Several parties may share responsibility for maintaining road conditions and ensuring potholes are repaired. Some potentially responsible parties include:

• Municipalities. Local governments are responsible for maintaining public roads. If a pothole is left unrepaired for an extended period and causes an accident, the municipality may be liable for the resulting damages.
• Construction companies. Construction negligence can also contribute to the formation of potholes, especially if the company responsible for the project fails to properly repair or maintain the road after completing their work.
• Property owners. In some cases, private property owners may be responsible for maintaining the portion of the road adjacent to their property, including pothole repair. The owner may be held accountable if an accident occurs on a poorly maintained private road.

Proving that the responsible party acted negligently in maintaining the roadway is essential for a successful claim. A skilled Prince George's County pothole injury lawyer will investigate the accident, gather evidence, and work to hold the negligent party accountable.

If a pothole or another road defect contributed to your car accident, the lawyers at Foran & Foran, P.A. are prepared to help. We are familiar with Maryland’s complex sovereign immunity laws and know how to build strong cases against all responsible parties. Call us at 301-441-2022 or connect with us online to schedule your free consultation today. We proudly represent clients in Hyattsville, Bowie, Upper Marlboro, Waldorf, La Plata, Silver Spring, Rockville and the surrounding areas.