Improperly Maintained Road Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Kent
- How Can Improperly Maintained Roads Cause Traffic Accidents?
- Recoverable Damages in a Kent Poor Road Maintenance Claim
- We May Need to Hold a Government Agency Legally Liable
- We Can Build a Strong Accident and Injury Case in Kent
- Attorney Zach Herschensohn Can Go to Work on Your Case
- Discuss Your Kent Accident Caused by an Improperly Maintained Road With Our Team
While most accidents occur because of a driver’s negligence, this isn’t the case with every crash. One unexpected cause is improperly maintained roads. If you believe your Kent accident occurred because of an issue with the roadway, our motorcycle accident attorney may be able to help you build a case against the agency or company tasked with maintaining it.
Speak to a team member from Herschensohn Law today. We handle motorcycle accident cases in Kent. Schedule your free initial consultation with a lawyer by calling (206) 588-4344 or submitting our online contact form.
Improperly maintained roads can lead to many hazards and cause several types of accidents. Some stem from poor design, while others require relatively simple maintenance that has not yet occurred making them Washington’s most dangerous roads.
For example, rainwater pooling on the road, causing hydroplaning, could occur because of a design defect in the road itself. The agency tasked with designing and building the road may be liable. Conversely, the water may dangerously pool because of a clogged drain. In this case, the agency that maintains the road is legally responsible.
Some ways that improperly maintained roadways cause crashes include:
- Overgrown trees or shrubs that block stop signs or signals
- Potholes
- Damage to guardrails or median dividers
- Missing or damaged signs or signals
- Faded lines or other painted indicators
- Excess debris in the roadway from resurfacing, broken concrete, or other sources
Sometimes damage to roads is difficult to prevent. Heavy traffic (especially large and oversized loads), snowstorms, and heavy rains cause significant pavement issues, including potholes. However, the agencies and companies tasked with maintaining roads must act quickly to make repairs or face liability for accidents that occur.
Our team helps clients pursue the financial recovery they need and deserve based on the facts of their cases. This includes the costs and losses they incurred because of their crash. To this end, we can document as many recoverable damages as possible to establish a fair settlement value. We can use this to determine whether an insurance offer is fair.
Recoverable damages could include:
- Medical bills and future treatment expenses
- Ongoing care costs, if necessary
- Lost income from wages, tips, commissions, contract or gig work, and other sources
- Reduced ability to work and resulting lost income
- Property damages, including motorcycle repair
- Pain and suffering
We also represent clients seeking compensation for the wrongful death of a loved one under RCW 4.20.010. We may be able to help your family seek justice if your parent, child, or spouse died from their crash injuries.
“Very knowledgeable and trustworthy. Zach Herschensohn provided me with excellent service. He kept me well informed and explained complicated issues in a way I could understand. He took the lead and guided me through everything necessary to achieve a successful outcome. Overall, I am very pleased with his service and would highly recommend him to anyone.”
“Herschensohn Law worked by my side for almost four years when I was in an auto accident and were outstanding in everything they did! They went above and beyond to make my lawsuit as easy and stress free as possible for me while consistently showing genuine care for my wellbeing. They even recommended amazing health care professionals for my injuries! Anything/everything I may have been confused/concerned about was addressed/explained so I felt comfortable with each move made in my lawsuit. Professional, courteous and attentive are just a few words I would use to describe this law firm and although I hope to never be in a similar situation again - if I do, Herschensohn Law will be my first call!”
“Zach and his team performed beyond my expectations! I couldn't have had a better firm in my corner!”
“This was such a great experience.”
“Zach will always take time and give you quality advice that you can trust. Highly recommended!”
A civil case based on an improperly maintained road could be much more complex than other types of traffic accidents. Identifying the liable party and determining your right to seek compensation can be difficult since many of the roads in and around Seattle are under the jurisdiction of:
- Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT)
- The King County Road Services Division
- Washington State Department of Transportation
- The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
- Private companies that lease or own bridges or roadways
- Private companies tasked with maintenance via contract
In many of these cases, the liable party is a government agency. When this occurs, special rules often apply that alter the claims process. Our team knows how these cases work. We can build a strong case to show that the improperly maintained road caused the crash and seek compensation.
Common evidence in these cases includes:
- The accident report from responding law enforcement officers
- Witness statements
- Video or photos of the hazard
- An accident scene survey
- Accident reconstruction
- The damage to all involved vehicles
- The client’s relevant medical records
The sooner we can start work on your motorcycle accident case, the sooner we can start gathering this evidence. Some evidence, including the hazards that caused your crash, could disappear or undergo repair before we can document them without quick action. If you call as soon as your injuries allow, we can get to work immediately.
In addition, cases against a city or county government or agency are particularly complex. There may also be short deadlines in some of these cases. While RCW 4.16.080 usually gives us up to three years to file personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits, some cases have additional deadlines.
Founding lawyer Zach Herschensohn is proud to help the people of Kent, Washington pursue justice. If you were hurt in an accident in Kent due to improperly maintained roads, our firm can fight for a fair settlement on your behalf, while you rest and recover from your injuries.
You do not want to take on a government agency or large company on your own. If you believe an improperly maintained road caused your Kent accident and injuries, our team is here to help. We can manage your case and develop strong support for a claim or lawsuit against the liable party or parties.
We represent our clients based on contingency fees. You will not need to pay anything upfront for us to work on your case. We only charge fees once we secure compensation for you. If we do not win, you will not pay any attorney’s fees.
“Zach will always take time and give you quality advice that you can trust. Highly recommended!”
You can talk to an attorney from Herschensohn Law about your legal options for free. We can assess your options for building a personal injury case based on the circumstances of your crash and explain how we may be able to represent you.
To get started, contact us online or call (206) 588-4344.
Our results speak for themselves
After a worker was electrocuted on a construction site and suffered life-changing injuries, we fought and won on their behalf.
When a retired man was killed in a truck accident, we made sure his grieving family got fair compensation.
When a defective medical device harmed our client, we fought to ensure they had the financial compensation needed to recover.
Hurt? Let our law firm handle the details
When you request your free consultation, Kent personal injury attorney Zach Herschensohn will listen to you, answer your questions, lay out your legal options, and give you down-to-earth legal advice.
When you work with our law office, there are no obligations, hidden fees, or fine print. It’s that simple.