Los Angeles, California, is the home of Hollywood and the center of the nation’s film industry. It has plenty of restaurants, tourist attractions and beaches to keep people hooked. However, it is not free of accidents.
The most overlooked cause is road hazards. These include potholes, loose debris, and gravel, which cause motorcycle accidents. These hazards are minor for cars, but for motorcyclists, the danger can be life-threatening.
If you are wondering whether you can sue when road hazards caused your motorcycle crash, the answer is probably yes. This depends on the details of your case. You can only know whether it is truly possible by talking to a Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyer.
Keep reading to better understand your options in such a scenario:
What Counts as a Road Hazard?
A road hazard is any unexpected or dangerous condition on the road that can lead to an accident. For example:
* Potholes
* Cracks
* Poor lighting
* Debris
* Broken guardrails
* Loose gravel
* Oil spills
In busy cities, these hazards are common because of the constant ongoing construction and heavy traffic. Unlike when driving a car, motorcycles are less stable, and even a small unexpected bump or patch of gravel can cause a rider to easily lose control.
Who Can You Hold Responsible for Road Hazards?
In many cases, the city, county, or state government is in charge of maintaining roads. That means they could be held responsible if a dangerous condition caused your crash.
If a private construction company created a hazard like leaving debris on the road, it may be held liable instead. However, to sue, you will need to show that whoever was responsible knew or should have known about the danger and failed to fix it in a reasonable time.
In most cities and states, suing the government is not easy to do. You must file a special claim within months of the accident. If you miss this deadline, you may lose the chance to recover damages.
What Do You Need to Prove?
For your claim to succeed, you will need strong evidence. This may include:
* Photos of the road hazard.
* A police report of the accident.
* Witness statements.
* Proof that the hazard existed before your crash, and it was reported or very visible.
It is not enough to simply say the road was dangerous. You have to show that it directly caused your accident and injuries.
Why You Should Talk to a Lawyer
Handling your motorcycle accident claim, especially when a government agency is involved, is very tough. An experienced attorney understands the local laws and can guide you through the process.
They will help you by investigating the crash, collecting evidence, and filing the required paperwork in time. If your case is successful, you may be able to recover money for medical bills, lost income, bike repairs, and pain and suffering.
Conclusion
If you were hurt in a motorcycle accident caused by a road hazard, don’t make the mistake of assuming there is nothing you can do. You might have a legal claim. Therefore, talk to a motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible to learn more about your options.