No matter how careful a driver is behind the wheel, poor road conditions may lead to a crash. Accidents are not only devastating, but they are also expensive. Injuries bring medical bills and loss of wages, and cars are costly to repair.
The city or state is in charge of maintaining roadways to keep residents safe and collision-free.
Untreated icy routes
Tennessee enjoys a warm climate much of the time, but a freak ice storm can wreak havoc on the roads. When municipalities do not treat slick surfaces, drivers suffer. It is the responsibility of each township to care for their routes in any weather.
Unfilled potholes
Pavement often forms potholes as a result of inclement weather. Cars hitting a pothole could end up losing a tire or get knocked out of alignment. This type of damage is expensive to fix. Getting to work to pay for that damage is difficult without a car. In Tennessee, victims who hit a pothole can file a claim with the treasury department to pay for damages. Potholes must have been previously reported to the state and remained unfixed for claimants to receive payment.
Broken traffic signals
Intersections become extremely dangerous during a power outage. Traffic signals without power create mass confusion and could cause drivers to speed into oncoming traffic. Wrecks caused by speeding often lead to severe injury or death. If a municipality did not address a malfunctioning traffic light, they might be liable.
Automobile accidents happen every day. If poor road conditions cause those crashes, the city, county or state may be legally responsible.
