Las Vegas Hazardous Roadway Accident Lawyers
Injured in a single-vehicle accident or one in which you believe an unsafe roadway is to blame? You don’t necessarily need proof of another driver’s fault to seek compensation for your injuries. It is possible to file a claim against the city or state government for hazardous roadways. Proof of road defects such as unsafe construction zones, potholes, and debris can be enough to hold someone else accountable for your crash. Contact Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP for help with filing claims against the government for your hazardous roadway accident, as these cases can be complex.
Common Roadway Defects Involved in Accidents
Planned and unplanned roadway elements can pose threats to drivers in Las Vegas. Construction zones meant to make roads safer can actually cause wrecks when the construction company acts negligently. If the construction zone causes hazards such as equipment too close to the roadway, confusing detours, and loose gravel in the roads, drivers can fall victim to dangerous car accidents. Unplanned issues are also a real threat to drivers, and can include:
- Potholes
- Trees or limbs in the road
- Animals crossing
- Standing water or ice
- Objects fallen from vehicles
- Bumpy shoulders
- Rough roads
- Poorly designed roadways
- Malfunctioning traffic lights
- Obstructed signs
Maintaining a reasonably safe roadway is the owner’s legal responsibility. Note, however, that the owner or maintainer must have been negligent in some way that contributed to your accident for you to file a claim. Acts of God such as wild animals or weather conditions will not be the city’s fault; nor will accidents that no one reasonably could have prevented. It is up to a car accident lawyer to prove that the city knew or reasonably should have known about the hazard yet failed to repair it in time to prevent the accident.
How to File a Claim Against the Government
In Nevada, personal injury claims against the government are similar to other claims. Both types come with a two-year statute of limitations to file the claim. Claims against the government require proof that the agency or one of its employees caused the accident and injuries in question. Government claims also require the plaintiff to file a written and signed notice with the Nevada State Board of Examiners. This notice must include the following information:
- Description of damages the claimant is seeking
- Description of the roadway hazard that caused the accident
- Explanation of why the claimant believes the government is liable
- Copy of medical report from the physician who treated the claimant
- Copy of statements of value for damaged property
The attorney general’s office will review the claim and either approve it and offer a settlement or deny it and give the claimant the opportunity to file a personal injury lawsuit. Nevada laws cap damages recoverable from the government at $100,000 per claim. For further instructions on how to file a claim against the city or state government for negligent roadway maintenance, contact our Las Vegas hazardous roadway accident lawyers.
Do You Need an Attorney’s Help?
Hazardous roadways in Las Vegas have caused numerous injuries and fatalities over the years. The Las Vegas personal injury attorneys at Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP can help if you’re one such victim. We know how to go up against the government and major insurance companies in pursuit of fair recovery. We’ll assist you with filing your claim, creating your notice, meeting important deadlines, and arguing your side of the story in front of a judge or jury.
You may need help from our firm if your crash resulted in catastrophic injuries or the wrongful death of your loved one. However, even the more minor cases could benefit from an attorney’s helping hand. Contact our firm today to find out how we may be able to assist you. A consult with one of our attorneys can give you the information you need to move forward with your insurance claim and/or personal injury lawsuit. Call (702) 560-5520 now to schedule a consultation in Las Vegas.