While speeding and distracted driving rank high among the main causes of traffic accidents, the roads themselves sometimes cause the incident.
The state of Tennessee has many positives, but it also ranks high as one of the states with the most dangerous roads.
Types of poor road conditions
Safe drivers know to follow the road rules and always keep their eyes on the lookout for other drivers and potential hazards. Unfortunately, a bad road does not always make itself known until an incident happens. Issues that factor into accidents include road debris, potholes, large cracks, steep drop-offs and improper grading. Road construction also presents potentially dangerous road conditions, such as a lack of signage or barriers, construction equipment left on the road, and improperly marked lanes. Defective signals or inadequate signage also factor into creating a risky driving situation.
How to prove fault
When the road causes an accident, it comes with added challenges. First, a victim must pinpoint the condition that caused the incident. Luckily, poor road conditions often reveal themselves after the accident happens. Things get more complicated when proving the preventability of hazardous conditions. Although local and state governments have the responsibility to ensure safe roadways, some conditions happen too quickly for a fast fix. If the location has had numerous complaints, the odds rise in favor of the victim. Even though the road contributed, someone still caused the accident. Determining the at-fault driver, the jurisdiction of the hazardous road and potential third-party contributions all play into the situation.
Anyone who finds themselves in a bad situation due to road negligence has rights as a victim.
