Highway Design Defect Lawyer in Bellevue WA

When that bump in the road harms more than your car

Most motor vehicle crashes are caused by drivers. But occasionally, a poorly designed road or highway is the culprit, and catastrophic injuries can result.

Bellevue highway defect attorney Dax Jones grasps the complexities of proving that a highway design defect caused an accident and that a government entity was negligent in not correcting the problem. He has helped clients obtain compensation in these difficult cases.

Often the best sign that a highway defect caused an accident is a pattern of accidents occurring at the same location. When a government agency ignores such a pattern, it may be held liable for its inaction.

Defects can include:
  • Improper drainage and water pooling
  • Potholes and uneven pavement
  • Lack or improper placement of a sign or stoplight
  • Lack of a guardrail or other safety device
  • A failure to clear or warn of a road hazard

Understanding Highway Design Defects in Washington State

A defective highway design occurs when a road or highway is built or maintained in a way that makes it unsafe for normal use. In Washington State, government agencies like the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) are responsible for ensuring that roads meet established safety and engineering standards.

When those standards are ignored, whether through poor design, lack of maintenance, or inadequate safety planning, the result can be serious or fatal accidents.

Common highway design defects include inadequate shoulder width, dangerous curves, poor sight distance at intersections, and improper road slope that increases the risk of rollover accidents. 

Even small errors in highway design can turn an ordinary roadway into a dangerous highway, leading to avoidable tragedies.

Common Types of Dangerous and Defective Highways

Some highways and local roads throughout King County and beyond are inherently hazardous due to their construction or maintenance. Dangerous and defective highways often share characteristics such as:

  • Poorly marked construction or merge zones
  • Lack of reflective paint or signage in low-light conditions
  • Missing or damaged guardrails
  • Inadequate drainage causes water buildup or black ice
  • Sharp curves or blind intersections without advance warning

When these highway defects are left unaddressed, they can cause multi-vehicle crashes, pedestrian injuries, or fatal rollovers. Dangerous Highways Attorneys at The Jones Firm have seen how these preventable hazards devastate lives, and how holding negligent agencies accountable can make future roads safer for everyone.

Proving Liability in a Highway Design Defect Case

Proving that a defective highway design caused an accident is complex. Victims must demonstrate not only that the highway design was unsafe, but also that the responsible agency or contractor knew or should have known about the problem and failed to correct it.

Highway defect claims often rely on accident patterns at the same location, expert testimony, and detailed engineering analyses. The Jones Firm’s highway design defect attorneys collaborate with investigators and Failing Road Defects Lawyers to gather crucial evidence such as maintenance logs, accident reports, and road inspection records.

This meticulous approach allows the firm to expose negligence and pursue fair compensation on behalf of victims and their families.

The Role of Experts in Highway Defect Litigation

Winning a highway design defect case often requires input from technical specialists. Highway design defect lawyers work closely with accident reconstruction experts, highway engineers, and traffic safety professionals who can pinpoint exactly how a design flaw led to the crash.

For example, an engineer might demonstrate that an intersection lacked proper sight lines or that guardrail spacing violated safety standards. These findings can be decisive in proving that a dangerous road caused the accident.

The Jones Firm’s network of experts ensures every case is built on a strong factual foundation, one that stands up to the scrutiny of government attorneys and insurance defense teams.

Government Responsibility and Legal Challenges

When a crash results from a defective highway design or dangerous road condition, the responsible government entity may be held liable. However, these cases come with strict procedural hurdles.

Washington State has unique filing requirements and shortened deadlines for claims against public agencies. Missing these deadlines can bar a victim from ever recovering damages.

Attorney Dax Jones has extensive experience navigating these challenges and understands how to preserve and protect your right to compensation.

His familiarity with Washington State highway design laws allows him to anticipate the defenses government lawyers often use to deny fault and avoid responsibility for dangerous, defective highways.

Compensation in Highway Defect Claims

Victims of highway design defects may be entitled to compensation for a variety of losses, including:

  • Medical bills and ongoing rehabilitation costs
  • Lost wages and diminished future earnings
  • Property damage to the vehicle
  • Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
  • Wrongful death damages for surviving family members

Each highway defect accident attorney at The Jones Firm is committed to ensuring that victims receive full and fair compensation for all damages caused by a government’s or contractor’s negligence in maintaining or designing a defective road.

Why Choose The Jones Firm for Your Highway Defect Case

Choosing the right legal team can make the difference between an unresolved claim and a successful outcome. The Jones Firm combines local knowledge of Washington’s dangerous highways with a deep understanding of engineering and safety standards. 

Dax Jones personally handles each case with the attention it deserves, standing up to government entities and powerful insurers alike.

As a Highway Design Defect Lawyer, he has built a reputation for pursuing justice even in the most difficult cases, ensuring that unsafe roads are improved and victims receive the compensation they need to move forward.

Holding responsible parties accountable

Bringing a lawsuit against a government agency is significantly different than bringing a case against an individual or a company. The time limit for filing is much shorter, and filing requirements are unique. 

Dax Jones has a proven record of litigating against government agencies on behalf of families who have suffered an injury or death in a Washington highway accident.

In addition to government agencies, The Jones Firm pursues highway design defect lawsuits against:
  • Architects
  • Engineers
  • Contractors

Attorney Jones is a Bellevue car accident lawyer with significant experience investigating car crashes from every angle. He works with skilled investigators, accident reconstruction experts, and, when needed, experts in highway engineering. 

He has the resources and knowledge to take a case to trial in order to ensure full compensation for his clients. A highway defect attorney who cares as much about your case as you do

Contact The Jones Firm online or at 206.278.2902 in Bellevue. Highway design defect accident attorney Dax Jones meets with clients wherever it is most convenient for them in King, Snohomish, and Pierce counties. The initial consultation is free and is NOT limited to 30 minutes, as it is at most law firms.

You have nothing to lose and much to gain

Schedule a Free Consultation With a Bellevue Highway Design Lawyer

If you or someone you love has been injured on a dangerous or defective highway in Bellevue or across Washington State, contact The Jones Firm today.

Speak directly with an experienced Highway Design Defect Attorney by calling 206-278-2902 or filling out the online form. There is no fee unless we win your case; your consultation is always free and confidential.