Commuters in Baltimore are more than aware of the area’s potholes and poor road conditions because they deal with them every day. But a report from the private nonprofit TRIP outlines exactly what the cost of those problems is to residents and says that although fully a third of all Maryland’s major roads are in poor condition, Baltimore’s are even worse. Each motorist in Baltimore pays an average of $2807 in maintenance and fuel costs that can be directly linked to bad road conditions. When it comes to car accidents, TRIP reports that the Greater Washington region has seen a rise of 31% in traffic fatalities over the past decade.

What Are the Road Conditions That Cause Car Accidents?

Deteriorating roads are dangerous to the motorists using them. Drivers are already dealing with traffic patterns and congestion, trucks, motorcycles, and pedestrians. If the road beneath them has a problem such as a large pothole, it may be virtually impossible to avoid, thus leading to an accident that is not the fault of the driver. In addition to potholes, other poor road conditions include:

• Uneven surfaces or rough pavement
• Sinkholes
• Crumbling asphalt
• Major cracks
• Uncleared debris

These hazards impact the safety of Baltimore drivers and can lead to accidents that cause serious personal injury. A USA Today study of Google trends found that Maryland was ranked No. 8 in the nation for searches related to pothole damage.

What Are the Types of Accidents Caused by Poor Road Conditions in Baltimore?

Swerving to avoid a pothole can result in a sideswipe accident when the driver hits the car next to them, or a head-on collision if the driver enters oncoming traffic.

When a wheel becomes caught in a pothole or ridge left from construction, a vehicle may roll over.

Rear-end collisions happen when drivers stop suddenly to avoid damage to their own car when confronted with potholes or other poor road conditions.

Motorcyclists carry the highest risk for accidents related to potholes and uneven road surfaces. They are easily destabilized even at low speeds. A motorcycle losing control after hitting a pothole could cause the surrounding vehicles to also crash, setting off a multi-vehicle accident scenario.

What Should I Do After a Car Accident Caused by Poor Road Conditions?

As with any accident, the first thing to do is check for injuries and call 911 if help is needed.

Secure your vehicle as best you can so that you are not in the path of oncoming traffic. If any other vehicles were involved, exchange information with the drivers.

Documenting evidence at the accident scene is extremely important. If you can, take photos of the accident, including damage to your vehicle, other vehicles, any injuries, and any kind of property damage. Photograph the road conditions in detail. Record the time of day and note the weather at the time of the accident.

Is There Compensation for Accidents Caused by Poor Road Conditions?

Liability and compensation for accidents caused by potholes and other poor road conditions depend on who is responsible for maintaining the roadway where the accident happened. Usually, this is a state government or other traffic authority. Bringing a claim against the government is more difficult than a case dealing with a private party. The legal timeline is much shorter, and if you miss the deadline, you may not be able to file a claim for compensation for your injuries and damage to your vehicle. For these types of cases, it is crucial to consult with an experienced attorney who can investigate the circumstances of your accident immediately.

Baltimore’s roads

Baltimore Car Accident Lawyers at Garner Legal Can Help With Pothole Accidents

are in notoriously poor condition. If you have been injured in an accident caused by the negligence of another party, the Baltimore car accident lawyers at Garner Legal can help you. For a free consultation, reach out to us by calling 443-899-1758 or filling out our online form. Located in Baltimore, we serve clients in the surrounding areas.