How Poorly Maintained Roads Exacerbate Truck Accident Risk

Every year, thousands of people are injured or killed in truck accidents across the US. While many of these incidents can be traced to driver error, fatigue, or mechanical failures, one often overlooked but critical factor is the roads themselves. Poorly maintained roads significantly increase the risk of severe truck accidents, posing a threat not only to truck drivers but also to every motorist sharing the roadway. 

At Johnston Personal Injury Law Firm, we understand the devastating impact of truck crashes and are committed to holding all responsible parties accountable. If you or a loved one has been harmed in a truck accident caused by poor road maintenance, contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation. 

Roadways in Need of Repair

The United States has over 4 million miles of public roads, and a significant portion of these are in serious need of repair. In fact, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) states that about 39 percent of public roadways are in poor or mediocre condition. 

In areas where heavy freight is frequently transported, the quality of road maintenance can directly impact safety outcomes. 

The Hidden Dangers of Neglected Roadways

Bad road conditions are a major problem for truck drivers and everyone who shares the road with them. Let’s discuss some types of poor road conditions and how they can lead to truck accidents.

Potholes and uneven pavement

Large potholes, cracks, and uneven pavement can destabilize a large commercial truck, especially at highway speeds. Sudden jolts from potholes and rough pavement can cause a tire blowout, especially if the truck is fully loaded. They can also damage braking systems or suspension components, leading to mechanical failures down the road. 

Poor drainage and erosion

Improper drainage can cause water to accumulate on road surfaces. This increases the risk of hydroplaning, where tires lose contact with the road, making it difficult to steer or brake. For trucks that have a high center of gravity and rely on traction to maintain control, this is especially dangerous. 

Additionally, erosion along shoulders can undermine the pavement and cause sudden drop-offs, which may result in rollovers if a truck’s tires slip off the edge of the road. 

Faded or missing lane markings

Clear lane lines, crosswalks, and directional arrows help guide traffic safely. Trucks require more space to navigate, and clear lane markings are crucial, especially in low-visibility situations. Without visible lane markings, trucks are more likely to drift or swerve into adjacent lanes, increasing the risk of side-impact collisions. 

Inadequate signage

Missing or poorly placed warning signs about curves, inclines, or roadwork can prevent truck drivers from adjusting their speed or route appropriately. This can lead to loss of control or collisions.

Debris and other obstructions

Road debris and obstructions can come from various sources, such as:

• Construction materials
• Fallen trees and branches
• Items that have fallen off vehicles

Keeping roads well-maintained and free of debris is essential to safe driving. 

Construction zones and temporary hazards

Construction areas have abrupt changes in traffic patterns, narrowed lanes, or temporary barriers. Without proper signage and surface maintenance, these zones become especially treacherous for truck drivers, who require more room to maneuver and longer reaction times.

Weak or inadequate bridges

Many rural and secondary roads feature outdated or structurally deficient bridges. Overloaded trucks or bridges not rated for modern commercial traffic can lead to catastrophic failures or force trucks into dangerous detours, often down narrow or unpaved roads unfit for heavy vehicles. 

Missing or damaged guardrails

Guardrails are an essential safety feature to keep vehicles from veering off the road. The risk of accidents greatly increases when guardrails are missing or damaged. 

Missing guardrails on sharp turns or elevated roads can result in vehicles falling off the road, resulting in major injuries. 

Common Causes of Bad Roads That Contribute to Truck Accidents

Poorly maintained roads are more than just an inconvenience; they are a serious hazard, especially for semi-truck drivers carrying heavy loads of cargo. 

Several factors can contribute to deteriorating roadways, such as:

• Weather wear and tear: Freeze-thaw cycles, flooding, and heavy rains cause cracks, potholes, and erosion. In areas with extreme seasonal changes, roads can degrade quickly without routine maintenance. 
• Insufficient maintenance: Budget constraints or mismanagement often result in postponed maintenance schedules. As small defects go unaddressed, they escalate into more dangerous conditions. 
• Heavy vehicle traffic: Roads that are not designed to accommodate consistent truck traffic can degrade under the strain of thousands of tons passing over them daily. This is especially true on rural or secondary roads. 
• Construction oversight or deficiencies: Poor design, low-quality materials, or rushed construction can leave a road vulnerable to faster-than-expected wear and tear. 
• Natural aging: Roads age, just like anything else. Over time, materials break down, and without proper repair or resurfacing, roads deteriorate and become a hazard.

How Poor Road Conditions Amplify the Severity of Truck Accidents

When a truck accident happens because roads are poorly maintained, the consequences can be disastrous:

• Increased stopping distances: Poor road surfaces reduce tire traction, increasing the distance trucks need to stop and increasing the risk of rear-end collisions
• Rollover incidents: Uneven surfaces, shoulder drop-offs, or abrupt elevation changes can cause a truck to tip over, especially during turns or evasive maneuvers
• Cargo spills: A loss of control due to road hazards can lead to cargo spills, creating secondary accidents involving other vehicles
• Increased impact force: Poor road conditions can contribute to higher-speed collisions, as drivers are unable to slow down or navigate hazards effectively, worsening the impact of crashes

Who Can Be Held Liable for Poor Road Conditions Causing Truck Accidents?

Determining liability in a truck accident caused or exacerbated by poor road conditions requires a thorough investigation. Multiple parties may be held liable, depending on who had the responsibility to maintain the road and whether negligence can be proven. 

Government entities

In many cases, roads are maintained by city, county, or state governments. These agencies have a legal obligation to ensure roads are safe for public use. 

If a government entity fails to repair known hazards, respond to complaints, or conduct routine inspections, it may be held liable. However, filing a personal injury lawsuit against a government entity involves special rules.

These include:

• Tight deadlines: Government entities typically have a shorter statute of limitations than other parties. Your claim will likely need to be filed within months of the accident. 
• Notice requirements: You may need to file a formal notice of claim before pursuing a lawsuit after a truck accident.
• Sovereign immunity limitations: Some governmental agencies may be protected from certain types of lawsuits, or there may be damage caps in place. 

Private contractors

Government agencies often outsource road construction and maintenance to private companies. If a contractor fails to meet safety standards or leaves a work site in a dangerous condition (missing barricades, unsecured materials), that company may be held directly liable for the resulting accidents. 

Truck drivers and trucking companies

In some cases, poor road conditions are only part of the equation. If the truck driver was speeding, fatigued, distracted, or negligent in some other way, his or her actions could be a contributing factor in the crash. 

Additionally, trucking companies may be liable for such things as:

• Failing to train their drivers properly
• Setting unrealistic delivery schedules
• Neglecting vehicle maintenance
• Overloading the truck with excess cargo

Vehicle manufacturers

What if a mechanical failure, such as a tire defect or brake malfunction, contributed to the truck accident? The vehicle or parts manufacturer could be held liable under product liability laws. 

How a Truck Driver Accident Lawyer Can Help

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident and poor road conditions were a contributing factor, a personal injury lawyer can help by:

• Conducting a thorough investigation: Personal injury lawyers have access to accident reconstruction experts and investigators who can assess road conditions and determine contributing factors.
• Identifying all liable parties: A skilled truck accident attorney can identify all parties responsible for your accident and ensure they are held liable for damages. In some cases, you may be able to file claims against multiple parties. 
• Negotiating with insurers and government entities: Personal injury claims involving public roads often leave victims facing bureaucratic hurdles. Your lawyer will negotiate with any powerful insurance companies or government entities involved in the accident. 
• Maximizing your compensation: An experienced truck accident attorney will fight for the full amount of compensation you deserve. This includes pain and suffering, future medical expenses, and lost earning potential.
• Litigating in court if needed: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your truck accident lawyer will be prepared to take your case to court. Your attorney will present compelling evidence to a judge or jury showing how poorly maintained roads contributed to your accident. 

Let Johnston Personal Injury Law Firm Protect Your Rights After a Truck Accident

Have you been harmed in a truck accident? Were poor road conditions a contributing factor? If so, don’t try to navigate the legal process alone. Our truck accident lawyers are here to help. 

We will investigate your accident, gather evidence to prove liability, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Our law firm takes all personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you will not pay any upfront costs or out-of-pocket expenses.

Contact Johnston Law Firm today to schedule a free consultation. Our compassionate legal team is here to help you rebuild your life and hold negligent parties accountable.