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Accidents Caused by Dangerous Roads

dangerous roads

Many potential factors can result in a car accident, and not all of them involve human error. In most cases, police and insurance companies assume an accident is due to driver negligence before considering other possible factors such as dangerous road conditions. However, inherently dangerous roads are just as capable of causing accidents as other drivers are.

If you have been injured in a Michigan car accident that was the result of a dangerous road, contact Lipton Law for help. For decades, our car accident attorneys have provided the legal representation that working families need after an accident caused by negligence, oversight, or recklessness. We can help you understand your legal options before you file a claim. To schedule your free consultation with us, please call our Michigan car accident attorneys at 248-557-1688 today.

What Makes a Road Dangerous?

Many of the world’s most dangerous roads are located in the United States, but many more are located elsewhere. Below, we list some of the dangerous roadways located around the world.

  • Pakistan’s Fairy Meadows Road
  • China’s Guoliang Tunnel Road
  • Alaska’s Dalton Highway
  • Pakistan and China’s Karakoram Highway
  • India’s Killar to Pangi Road
  • Bolivia’s North Yungas Road
  • Russia’s Siberian Road
  • New Zealand’s Skippers Canyon Road (located in New Zealand’s South Island)

But what makes these the most dangerous roads in the world? What characteristics make them so risky for drivers? Location is a major reason why these roads are so deadly. Factors like sheer cliff drops, narrow road ways, poor visibility, rocky overhangs, narrow turns, and heavy snow all contribute to their danger.

However, when it comes to the roads we take on a daily basis, simpler explanations exist for why certain roads are more dangerous. In fact, you can probably think of a road or intersection where you live that is more dangerous than others. Below, we outline some of the most common factors that contribute to the danger of certain public roads.

Unsafe road conditions come in many forms, including in the overall design of the road. When civil engineers and urban planners design a road, they should aim to make it as easy as possible for drivers to navigate safely. However, engineers don’t always take enough time and care when planning roads. Examples of poor road design include the following.

  • Narrow passages
  • Snaking turns
  • Poorly planned road grading
  • Blind curves or turns
  • Steep drop-offs

dangerous road

Cities and states also have a responsibility to maintain the roads that are already in use. Roads that do not see regular maintenance can develop deadly defects, such as the following.

  • Potholes
  • Cracked asphalt
  • Wheel ruts
  • Faded lines
  • Road surface changes
  • Foliage that blocks the view

Guard rails often intend to increase safety in areas of high-speed traffic. They are particularly common in urban areas. Especially on highways and interstates, guardrails divide opposing traffic to reduce the risk of serious head-on accidents. However, a lack of guardrails, damaged guardrails, and defective guardrails can contribute to accidents rather than prevent them.

Road signs are incredibly important when it comes to keeping drivers informed about roadways and traffic patterns. Drivers need the information provided by signage and traffic lights to make safe and informed decisions. When signs are confusing or simply not there, this could turn a well-designed intersection into an accident-prone area.

It’s true that cities and states are responsible for the design and maintenance of their roads. When roads are being built and repaired, the construction zones often change or block the flow of traffic. If the city fails to warn drivers about upcoming work areas, this could create a problem both for the drivers and pedestrians in the work areas.

Inclement weather, such as snow and ice, also presents significant problems when it comes to roadways. In places such as Michigan, snow and ice are common. However, the government is responsible for removing those dangers from publicly-maintained roads. If they fail to do this, residents could suffer serious injuries in the event of an accident.

According to the NHTSA, the most dangerous roads in the United States are all highways. They all involve high speeds and high rates of traffic, which make them deadlier than other less-driven roads. Again, the government is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of these roads, as well as for their designs and signage.

Types of Dangerous Roads in Michigan

Many types of dangerous roads can cause serious or even fatal car crashes. Common examples of dangerous road types in Michigan include the following.

  • Badly designed intersections. If the design of an intersection is inherently flawed, it can cause head-on collisions or T-bone car accidents.
  • Dangerous curves. Roads that have dangerous curves or blind intersections can limit the driver’s line of vision. Drivers can be taken by surprise by sharp turns or oncoming traffic on these roads and get hurt in a crash.
  • Lack of guardrails. Roads need to have guardrails as well as center dividers in place to protect motorists from driving into a ditch or other dangerous conditions.
  • Little to no visibility. Motorists rely on proper lighting to navigate roads and draw attention to others on the road.
  • Poorly maintained roads. Roads that are full of potholes or uneven — or obscured by foliage that blocks visibility — can pose a serious threat to motorists, motorcyclists and bikers.

In each of these situations, we can investigate and examine the history of a particular road or intersection to determine whether the location poses a serious danger and needs to be fixed. Dangerous road conditions can result in a number of car accidents, including rear end accidents.

Most Dangerous Roads in Michigan

dangerous highway

Even Michigan has its fair share of deadly roads on which drivers and passengers suffer fatal injuries at a higher rate than other roads. Below, we list 8 of the deadliest roads in Michigan.

  • Gratiot Avenue in Detroit
  • 28th Street in Grand Rapids
  • Dort Highway in Flint
  • I-75 in Detroit
  • East Davison Street in Detroit
  • I-94 near DTW Airport
  • US-10 in Ludington
  • US-131 in Grand Rapids

Government Immunity in Dangerous Road Cases

Many different parties can be potentially liable for the dangerous conditions of certain roads. Our experienced car accident lawyers will investigate the facts of your case, gather evidence, and help you seek compensation from all liable parties. In some cases, local and state governments have failed in their responsibility to properly design or maintain roads. If this is the case, you may wonder if it is even possible to sue the government for your injuries.

While it is possible, governments often receive protection from lawsuits through sovereign immunity. However, there are exceptions that allow accident victims to seek compensation from negligent government entities. Speak with a qualified injury attorney to explore your options and find out whether or not you have a valid claim.

How to Stay Safe on Dangerous Roads

Even on inherently dangerous roads, there are many ways to lessen your chances of an accident or of serious injury. Below, we include several tips for staying safe on dangerous or busy roads.

  • Practice defensive driving.
  • Plan your route ahead of time.
  • Regularly check your brakes.
  • Pay attention to the weather.
  • Know your vehicle’s capabilities.
  • Pay close attention to road signs.
  • Maintain your vehicle’s oil levels and tire pressure.
  • Use tires with good tread and grip.
  • Never engage in distracted driving.
  • Follow the speed limit.
  • Yield to whoever has the right of way.
  • Use your headlights both at night and during rain or fog.
  • Always wear your seat belts.

Injuries from Dangerous Road Accidents

roadway accident

Accidents caused by dangerous road conditions have the potential to cause serious injuries. Even minor accidents can cause injuries such as the following.

  • Brain and head injuries
  • Neck injuries
  • Back injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Cuts, bruises, and lacerations
  • Whiplash
  • Internal injuries
  • Soft tissue injuries
  • Eye injuries
  • Concussions

Compensation for an Accident Caused by Dangerous Roads

If someone else’s negligence caused your accident and injuries, you deserve compensation for any losses you have incurred as a result. The attorneys at Lipton Law will fight tooth and nail to ensure that you receive full and fair compensation. This way, you won’t be bogged down by medical bills and lost income that you simply can’t afford. Below, we list the most common types of compensation that injury victims seek after an accident.

  • Lost wages
  • Medical expenses
  • Pain and suffering
  • Vehicle damage
  • Emotional distress
  • Wrongful death expenses

Michigan Dangerous Road Accident Attorney

It can be difficult to prove liability in this type of accident. Accident victims not only need to prove that the road contributed significantly to the crash, but also need to establish that the state or city government responsible for maintaining road safety knew of the dangerous conditions yet failed to make repairs.

At Lipton Law, our skilled attorneys have successfully represented individuals in these challenging cases. We know how to conduct investigations on the road’s history, establish negligence and help you hold the appropriate party accountable for your accident-related losses. Contact us online or call our Southfield personal injury lawyers at 248-557-1688 to learn whether you have a claim. We offer a free initial consultation for all personal injury matters.