Drivers cause most car accidents. Sometimes, though, a design flaw in the road or highway is to blame. Serious injuries or even death can result from poorly designed roadways. If you have been a victim of a highway design defect, contacting a Renton attorney is your next step to get the compensation you deserve.
Expert Highway Design Defect Attorneys in Renton
Dax Jones is an expert highway defect attorney who can help Renton residents get the answers they need after an accident caused by a highway design flaw. He understands the complexities of proving that design flaws, as opposed to driver error, led to your accident.
If this is so, then the government agency that oversees the roadway carries responsibility for your accident for not fixing the problem. Dax has years of experience negotiating compensation for clients who are dealing with this difficult type of case.
One of the key indicators of a highway design defect is a pattern of auto accidents at the same location over and over again. If the government agency responsible for the road neglects or overlooks these patterns, the government may find itself liable for not taking action to remedy the repeated accidents.
Services We Offer in Renton:
- Renton Personal Injury Attorneys
- Car Accident Attorneys Renton
- Renton Pedestrian Accident Attorneys
- Bicycle Accident Attorneys Renton
- Renton Commercial Trucking Accident Attorneys
- Wrongful Death Attorneys Renton
- Renton Construction Accident Attorney
- Highway Design Defect Attorneys Renton
- Renton Traffic Violation Attorneys
Information for Washington Drivers
On the whole, Washington is a relatively safe state for drivers. The number of yearly auto accidents falls below the national average. Even so, accidents do happen, and a small percentage of those incidents are related to problems with highway and road design flaws.
When considering accidents in our state, know that one crash occurs every five minutes in Washington. Most accidents occur between 5 and 6 p.m., which is just the right time for the evening commute.
The factor of added traffic strain works to highlight roadways bearing poor highway design, particularly in the area of on and off-ramp design. Consequently, it may be the road, not the drivers, that shoulders some of the blame for the increased number of accidents during that hour.
Many of the highway exits in and around Renton are diagonal exits rather than cloverleaf design ramps. Even though diagonal exits are safer, these entry points can still cause major hangups and close calls when approached incorrectly. Improperly designed or repaired exit and entrance ramps lead to all kinds of travel woes and traffic accidents at highway intersections.
How Dangerous Highways Put Drivers at Risk
While Washington generally maintains safe infrastructure, dangerous highways remain a persistent problem. Renton drivers often encounter roads where outdated designs and heavy traffic create a recipe for collisions.
Dangerous defective highways are especially hazardous during rush hour, when traffic volumes are high and visibility may be reduced. Even minor flaws like faded lane markings, uneven shoulders, or poorly placed signage can cause chain-reaction accidents.
These conditions may not always seem severe until repeated crashes occur at the same spot. That pattern is often the first warning sign that a roadway has become unsafe. Dangerous Highways Attorneys understand how to identify these risks and use them to build strong claims on behalf of injured drivers.
We are local:
Why Hire a Local Renton Highway Design Defect Lawyer?
Choosing a local attorney provides unique advantages in highway defect cases. A Renton-based lawyer understands:
- The specific dangerous roads and intersections in the community.
- The procedures and timelines are unique to Washington state claims.
- The local courts and judges who will hear the case.
By hiring a Highway Design Defect Lawyer in Renton, you gain both legal skill and local insight—two critical factors in navigating these complex cases.
Understanding Highway Design Defects
In Renton, some areas of particular concern include intersections along Interstate 405, particularly at Highway 167, Highway 169, and Park Drive. These areas are locally known culprits for accidents.
Surely you’ve been stuck in rush-hour traffic when you see the blaring lights or hear the wailing sirens of emergency vehicles responding to a wreck at these busy intersections.
Improperly timed traffic lights can also cause problems. Like the roadways themselves, the transportation agency bears the responsibility to manage the correct timing of traffic lights. Short signals can lead to a host of driving headaches. But, often leads to riskier decisions by drivers who try to get through to avoid waiting at yet another red light.
An increase in last-second yellow light speed throughs, poorly timed turns, and stopping short are all possible effects of excessively short signal times. Other road defects can appear anywhere you drive and include a range of design issues:
- Poor drainage and pooled water lead to hydroplaning or stalled vehicles.
- Uneven pavements, roadways, and unfilled potholes cause drivers to lose control of the steering wheel.
- Missing or incomplete guardrails that lead to severe accidents.
- Unclear or absent warnings indicate the presence of a road hazard that may cause motorists to drive at unsafe speeds.
Common Types of Highway Design Defects
Highway design defects can take many different forms, each creating unique dangers for drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. Some of the most common include:
- Improper grading or sharp curves that increase rollover risks and reduce driver reaction time.
- Insufficient lighting on dangerous roads makes it difficult to see pedestrians, cyclists, or stalled vehicles at night.
- Defective highway design in high-speed zones, such as lanes that suddenly merge without proper warning signs.
- Drainage failures, where pooled water causes hydroplaning or erodes the roadway surface.
These types of highway defects make even cautious drivers vulnerable. When preventable dangers are overlooked, defective road design lawyers can step in to hold the responsible parties accountable.
Holding Responsible Parties Accountable in Renton
If you’ve been in an auto accident in Renton and feel that a highway design defect caused your loss, Dax Jones can help. Dax identifies the at-fault government agency and works through the unique filing requirements involved with such a case.
Cases of this type have a very short filing time and some nuances in their protocol, so working with an expert in a timely fashion is critical. In addition to pursuing cases against at-fault government agencies, the Jones Firm works on highway design lawsuits against:
- Architects
- Engineers
- Contractors
Attorney Jones is a Renton car accident lawyer who has a winning track record of investigating auto accidents from all angles. He uses the skills of investigators and reconstruction experts to put the pieces together and determine who’s at fault.
His extensive pool of resources and knowledge of the subject matter provides the right combination to ensure full compensation for his clients.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Highway Defects?
Highway defect cases often involve multiple responsible parties. Depending on the circumstances, liability may fall on:
- Local or state transportation departments are responsible for maintaining safe roadways.
- Municipalities, when city streets or intersections contribute to recurring accidents.
- Private contractors or construction companies that performed substandard repairs.
- Engineering and design firms that created defective highway plans.
Because more than one party may share the blame, it is essential to work with road defect attorneys who can investigate every angle of the case. These professionals ensure that all negligent parties are named in Highway Defect Claims, maximizing the chances of full recovery for victims.
Proving a Highway Defect Claim in Washington
Highway defect cases can be complex because the burden of proof rests on the injured party. A successful claim typically requires:
- Accident reconstruction, showing how a defective highway design contributed to the crash.
- Historical accident data proves that the location has a pattern of collisions.
- Expert testimony from engineers and failing road defects lawyers, who can explain how the design failed safety standards.
- Photographic and video evidence documenting the dangerous condition.
These elements build a strong foundation for defective highway design cases and ensure that government agencies or contractors cannot dismiss legitimate claims.
Steps to Take After an Accident Caused by Road Defects
If you believe your accident was caused by a highway defect, taking the right steps immediately can make all the difference in your claim:
- Document the scene – Take photos of the roadway, traffic signs, skid marks, or visible hazards.
- Collect witness information – Testimony can help show a pattern of defects at the same location.
- Report the hazard – Notify the police and, if possible, the relevant transportation agency.
- Seek medical care – Not only for your health, but also to create a record of your injuries.
- Contact a Highway Design Defect Lawyer – Deadlines for filing claims against government agencies are very short, so time is critical.
By following these steps, victims strengthen their Highway Defect Claims and protect their right to pursue compensation.
Compensation Available in Highway Defect Cases
Victims of accidents caused by highway design defects may be entitled to significant compensation. Depending on the case, recoverable damages may include:
- Medical expenses for emergency medical treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity when injuries prevent a return to work.
- Property damage to vehicles and other belongings.
- Pain and suffering from physical and emotional trauma.
- Wrongful death damages for families who lost a loved one on a dangerous road.
A skilled Highway Defect Accident Attorney works to ensure clients receive full compensation, not just a quick settlement.
Contact Us In Renton
If you were in an accident at a busy intersection in Renton or think that your recent auto accident was the result of a highway design defect, contact Dax Jones immediately. He will help you determine if you have a case. Fill out our online contact form for more information and to schedule a free consultation.
Recent Comments