Unlike our neighbors to the South, Chicagoans do not act like the world is ending each time it snows. After the first snow of the season — when it seems like everyone else on the road has forgotten how to drive — even running some errands or heading to work in winter weather doesn’t seem like that big of a deal.
For winter weather warriors who grew up in Chicagoland and continue to make it our home, the real issue with winter weather is that it can disguise the hazards posed by roads that are dangerous because they are poorly designed or maintained. When improperly designed or maintained roads lead to serious accidents, the Stein & Shulman team helps accident victims hold those responsible for the condition of the road accountable.
Who Is Responsible For Our Roads?
Chicago area residents trust that the various governmental bodies that own the roads we all travel on, and the contractors tasked with building and maintaining those roads, are doing what they need to do to keep drivers safe. When that duty of care is violated, it is important to hold the people and entities that failed to protect us accountable.
Poor Design & Maintenance Cause Serious Accidents
At Stein & Shulman, we consult with law enforcement officials, accident investigators, engineers, and safety experts to figure out if poor design or maintenance played a role in our clients’ accidents. Things we are looking for include:
- Poorly designed roads. Curves that are too tight, improper banking or drainage, and missing safety features can all contribute to an accident, especially during the winter.
- Road debris. Snow can cover up items that have fallen off other vehicles, pieces left over from past accidents, and other objects that should have been cleared from the roadway.
- Improperly maintained roads. Potholes and uneven pavement are two of the most common issues that plague Chicago area roads.
- Road construction equipment. When road crews do not take proper precautions to keep the public safe while a roadway is repaired, they should be held accountable.
- Downed power lines. Heavy snow and ice can wreak havoc on above-ground power lines. Downed lines can cause serious accidents and injuries.
Even in situations where negligence on the part of the driver or poor weather conditions may have been the initial cause of an accident, a defect in road design or maintenance like those outlined above can make any accident worse.
Gathering Evidence Is Key
Once a design or maintenance problem is discovered, Stein & Shulman attorneys get to work documenting the issue and researching the responsible parties.
Documentation is key because once an accident has occurred, the danger may disappear. It can be difficult to show how dangerous a road issue was once it has been repaired. However, the fact that a repair was done can also be used as evidence.
Researching responsible parties is also critical because Illinois law specifies exactly who is responsible for certain roads, and who can be sued after an accident has occurred. The experienced attorneys on our team know what evidence is needed to prove an accident victim has a valid case.
Experience You Can Trust
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in the Chicagoland area, and the condition of the road itself played a role in the crash, let’s talk. Our experienced team of attorneys may be able to help you seek compensation for your injuries. Please contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation.
