If you're involved in an automobile or motorcycle accident that you believe was caused by defects in the design of the road or highway, you might be able to obtain compensation. However, this is usually not a simple matter, since many government authorities, including those responsible for highway construction, are immune from liability. In addition, you have to prove that the accident was caused by a design error that was known and remained uncorrected. Some compensation cases involve on-going highway construction project that temporarily rendered the roadway unsafe. In these cases, there may also have been a demonstrable failure to provide adequate signage or warning of the danger. Other grounds for claims of defective highway design or maintenance include the failure to maintain safe road shoulders, excessive pavement drop off, and other design or repair faults. Such claims can be highly complicated and require the skills and experience of an attorney specializing in this field of practice. Claims of this type almost always require specialist assistance and the testimony of expert witnesses. When such compensation claims are successful, the amount of damages awarded to victims can be substantial.
