In many car accident cases, we look to the other driver to find fault and responsibility. They were driving carelessly, and now you’re injured because of their recklessness. It’s a frustrating situation, but it’s also not always the case. Instead, your car crash might have been caused by the road.

A pothole can do serious damage, and when it’s left unfilled, it can cause accidents such as yours. Unfortunately, suing when dangerous roads cause a car accident isn’t an easy task.

You might need to seek help from an experienced lawyer, such as those at Craig Swapp & Associates. Our attorneys understand how difficult your situation is and we can help you determine the responsible party, gather evidence, and work to achieve a positive outcome.

Who’s Responsible?

First, you’ll need to determine the correct person to file an injury claim against, which can be difficult when your accident was caused by an object. In this case, you’ll need to find the party responsible for maintaining safe roadways. The Salt Lake City Department of Transportation (SLCDoT)should be responsible for maintenance and upkeep, so if you’re injured, your lawyer will look to this agency for liability.

The SLCDoT oversees the necessary repairs for roads and is responsible for designing the roads to be safe. For example, you might have been driving in the rain, and a design defect in the road caused water to pool. You hydroplaned and crashed, leaving you with serious injuries. Because you were injured by a design defect, the SLCDoT would be financially responsible for your accident-related expenses.

Limits on Your Claim

Unfortunately, bringing a claim against a government agency isn’t always simple. A claim against the government will have certain laws and time limits. If you don’t meet these, your claim could be dismissed, leaving you without compensation.

For example, your time frame to file will be greatly reduced. The time limits for a typical injury claim are two to four years, depending on the state. Claims against the government, however, can leave you with as little as six months to file a claim.

You might also have other specific steps to filing your claim, which can be complex and confusing. These laws vary from state to state, so you’ll need a lawyer on your side to make sure you’re taking the right steps. If not, your claim could be dismissed for being filed incorrectly.

A Lawyer Can Help Prove Fault

A car accident is already difficult and complicated, but what about when your accident wasn’t the fault of another driver? Suing when dangerous roads cause a car accident can be confusing, so you’ll need help fighting back and securing your compensation.

That’s where a lawyer from Craig Swapp & Associates steps in. You need that compensation to recover, but you likely don’t have the experience and resources to ensure you’re filing your claim properly.

Your time is limited, so you’ll also need someone who can review your claim quickly and get you on the right track. We offer free claim reviews, so you’ll be ready to act when you sign to work with us.

Struggling in the wake of an accident? Reach out by calling 1-800-404-9000 or by completing the online form below.