Water Pooling

Road defects can lead to severe accidents; one often overlooked hazard is water pooling. When water accumulates on the roadway due to poor drainage, improper road design, or a lack of maintenance, it can create a dangerous environment for drivers. Water pooling increases the risk of hydroplaning, reduces visibility, and can cause vehicles to lose control. Foran & Foran, P.A. is dedicated to advocating for victims injured in accidents caused by road defects such as water pooling, poor road design, uneven pavement, and potholes.

If you've been hurt in an accident caused by water pooling on a Prince George's County roadway, it's essential to take action. The attorneys at Foran & Foran, P.A. will thoroughly examine the factors leading to your accident, identify who is responsible, and fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Reach out to us today to learn how we can help you move forward and recover from your injuries.

Water pooling occurs when roads are not properly designed or maintained to handle excess water, especially during storms or heavy rain. Some common causes include the following:

• Poor road design. Roads without proper grading or drainage systems can accumulate water in low spots. When the water has nowhere to go, it forms dangerous puddles or large pools.
• Blocked drains. Roadside drainage systems are essential for preventing water from accumulating on the surface. However, debris, trash, or poor maintenance can block drains, causing water to back up and pool on the road.
• Municipal negligence. When local governments fail to maintain roads and drainage systems regularly, water pooling becomes more frequent and hazardous, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Construction negligence. Temporary roadwork or poor-quality construction projects can create uneven surfaces where water can collect, further complicating driving conditions.

When water pooling is left unaddressed, it significantly raises the likelihood of accidents, particularly when paired with other road defects like uneven pavement, potholes, or shoulder drop-offs.

Water pooling poses several risks to drivers, increasing the chances of serious accidents. Some of the most common hazards associated with water pooling include:

• Hydroplaning. When a vehicle's tires lose contact with the road due to a thin layer of water, the driver can lose control, causing the car to skid or veer off the road. This is particularly dangerous at high speeds and on highways.
• Reduced visibility. Large pools of water can splash onto windshields when hit by other vehicles, temporarily obstructing visibility and making it difficult for drivers to see the road ahead.
• Vehicle damage. Driving through deep pools of water can damage a vehicle's engine or electrical system, leading to sudden malfunctions and breakdowns, potentially causing crashes.
• Multi-vehicle collisions. When one vehicle loses control due to water pooling, it can cause chain-reaction accidents, especially in high-traffic areas.

Accidents caused by water pooling can result in severe injuries, property damage, and significant financial burdens. A Prince George's County road defect lawyer can help determine whether your accident was caused by negligent road design or maintenance and fight to hold those responsible accountable.

Determining who is responsible for accidents caused by water pooling can be complex, as multiple parties may share liability. Under Maryland law, various entities may be held accountable for failing to maintain safe road conditions, including:

• Municipalities. Local governments are often responsible for maintaining roads, drainage systems, and infrastructure. If a municipality fails to repair damaged roads or clear drainage systems, it can be held liable for accidents caused by water pooling.
• Construction companies. If water pooling occurs due to negligent construction practices, such as improper grading or temporary fixes exacerbating the problem, the construction company may be held responsible.
• Property owners. In some cases, private property owners may have a duty to maintain portions of the road adjacent to their property. They may be held accountable if they fail to prevent water from pooling on the roadway.

Proving liability in these cases requires a thorough investigation into the road's maintenance history, the design of drainage systems, and the actions taken by the responsible parties to address hazards. An experienced Prince George's County lawyer can help gather the necessary evidence to build a strong compensation case.

Maryland follows the legal doctrine of contributory negligence, which means that if a victim is found even slightly at fault for their accident, they may be barred from recovering damages. Insurance companies and defense attorneys often try to argue that the driver was partially responsible, either by driving too fast for conditions or failing to avoid the water hazard.

To counter these arguments, it's crucial to have an experienced attorney who can demonstrate that the water pooling resulted from negligence by the responsible parties. A skilled lawyer can present evidence that shows how improper road design or maintenance created unavoidable hazards for drivers.

If you were involved in a car accident caused by a road defect, don’t wait to reach out to the experienced lawyers at Foran & Foran, P.A. Our Prince George’s County personal injury lawyers are skilled at handling complex road defect claims and can help you pursue compensation from all liable parties. Call us at 301-441-2022 for a free consultation, or fill 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.