What if I Was Injured by a Pothole?
Pothole accidents can happen unexpectedly and leave victims facing serious injuries. A dangerous roadway defect can cause a driver to lose control, collide with another vehicle, or experience a sudden impact that results in physical harm. These accidents may lead to long-term challenges that affect daily life.
If unsafe road conditions contributed to your accident, you may have legal options for seeking compensation. Our Conway car accident attorneys at Kinon Law Firm help injured victims understand their rights and pursue the financial recovery they may need after an accident.
Compensation Available After a Pothole Accident in South Carolina
Known for its busy roads like the U.S. Highway 501, Church Street, and Main Street, Conway is a growing community that sees regular vehicle traffic from residents and tourists. With numerous drivers traveling throughout the city each day, dangerous roadway conditions can create serious safety concerns.
After a pothole accident, victims may face costs that extend beyond immediate vehicle repairs. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, an injured person may be able to pursue compensation for losses connected to their injuries and damages.
Under S.C. Code Ann. § 15-78-10 et seq., a governmental entity (such as a city, county, or state agency) may be responsible for injuries or damage caused by unsafe road conditions, but only under certain limits.
The government is not automatically responsible for every road problem because it has limited resources and must decide how to maintain public roads. However, when a government entity has a legal duty to maintain a roadway and fails to do so, it may be held liable if that failure causes an accident.
A person injured in a pothole accident may be able to file a claim against a governmental entity if the incident was due to a failure to address the pothole. This means the victim generally must show that:
-
The government entity had a duty to maintain the road
-
The government entity failed to use reasonable care
-
The pothole directly caused the accident and resulting damage
Liability is based on the same basic negligence principles that apply to private individuals. For pothole-related claims, the law provides exceptions that may prevent recovery in some situations.
Whether a pothole claim is successful depends on the specific facts, including how long the pothole existed, whether the government knew or should have known about it, and whether reasonable steps were taken to address the hazard.
Work With a Car Accident Attorney in Conway That You Can Trust
When it comes to seeking justice, our Conway car accident lawyers know how overwhelming South Carolina’s legal system can be for victims. Our goal is to give you the knowledge and support you need to take control of your case and seek a brighter future.
While compensation cannot take away what happened, it can help you move forward in life with confidence. We represent new clients living in Conway, Myrtle Beach, and other South Carolina areas. Contact our firm today by calling 843-488-9191 or through our online contact form to schedule a free consultation.
Categories
Car Accidents Catastrophic Injuries Personal Injury Slip and Fall Accidents Truck Accidents Wrongful DeathRecent Posts
What if I Was Injured by a Pothole? Can I Sue if a Car Doored Me While Riding? What if I Was Hit While Crossing in a Bike Lane? Who Has the Right of Way at Intersections? Can I Recover Damages if I Wasn’t Wearing a Helmet?