How Are Potholes Dangerous?
For most drivers, potholes are nothing more than an annoyance that jars their vehicle when passing over them. However, potholes can actually cause severe damage to your car or accidents which result in injuries to you and your passengers. Additionally, potholes are a potentially deadly hazard for motorcyclists and bicyclists.
Normally, it is a municipality’s responsibility to repair the roadway when potholes appear so that they do not endanger drivers and cyclists. When they fail to uphold this duty, they may be legally liable for accidents that result from their negligence. If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident that was caused by a pothole, contact a tenacious Iowa road defect attorney from LaMarca & Landry, P.C., at 877-327-2600.
The Formation of Potholes
Potholes may form due to improper road construction. As roads begin to erode, they can develop cracks where water can collect. During the colder months, this water freezes, pushing against the pavement above and around the pool of water. Later, when the ice melts, the pavement settles back down, lower than it was originally. Over time, a small crack can turn into a deep pothole.
Dangers of Potholes
If you drive over a pothole in your car, you may suffer whiplash and your vehicle may develop the following problems:
- Tire damage
- Suspension problems
- Broken parts in the undercarriage of your vehicle
- Misalignment of your wheels
If you are a motorcyclist or bicyclist, though, running through a pothole can cause you to completely lose control or be ejected from the bike, dramatically increasing the risk of fatality.
Contact Us
As the victim of municipal negligence, you may be able to sue for financial compensation to address your crash-related medical bills, vehicle repairs, lost wages, and other appropriate damages. Contact a knowledgeable Iowa road defect lawyer from LaMarca & Landry, P.C., at 877-327-2600 today to learn more.
