4 Common Bad Road Conditions in Colorado that Can Contribute to Car Accidents

Pursuing car accident damages is already a tricky endeavor in many cases, but it becomes even more complex when the accident was caused by bad road conditions. There’s no clear fault on the part of a driver, which means you can’t count on an auto insurance company to pay for medical care or property damage to your automobile.

If you’ve been involved in an auto accident in Colorado, keep reading to learn about some of the most common bad road conditions that can contribute to these car wrecks and learn what to do when you’re the victim of bad roads.

1. Ruts and grooves in the road

Over years of use, even concrete roads can become susceptible to wear and tear. Cars travel over the same spots hundreds of times a day. The risk of a car accident is further exacerbated by weather conditions, because as small ruts begin to form, rain water in the warmer months and melting snow in the colder ones will flow through grooves in the road, further wearing them down.

Since dealing with a government entity is often more complex than working with consumer insurance companies, you may need to work with a Colorado car accident attorney to receive compensation.

2. Steep shoulder drop-offs

The shoulder of the road is the area to your right beyond where the road ends. While it is normal to have a small amount of drop-off there, anything more than an inch or so can create a roadway hazard.

Car accidents can be caused by shoulder drop-off because – similar to the way ruts cause accidents – the wheels of your automobile can get caught on the edge and cause you to lose control of your vehicle. As you attempt to regain control, you can inadvertently over-correct. The result is that your car is propelled either far off the roadway or into another lane and potentially oncoming traffic.

3. Patches of ice

In certain areas of Colorado, the temperature can drop well below zero degrees Fahrenheit in the winter months. Even when conditions aren’t quite that cold, ice can still form on roadways, creating a serious car accident hazard.

Most Colorado drivers are well-acquainted with icy roads and take the proper precautions whenever the weather calls for it, but if the roads aren’t properly graded to allow for drainage, you can hit a patch of ice when you least expect it. If you suspect poor drainage created the patch of ice that caused your wreck, consider consulting a Colorado car accident attorney.

4. Poorly designed roads

Conscientious driving is the responsibility of everyone on Colorado’s roads, but even the safest driver can fall victim to poor roadway design. When turns are too sharp or lanes are too narrow to allow for regular traffic, it is more difficult than usual to avoid a car accident.

In Colorado, drivers also have to contend with their fair share of curvy, winding roads. If road signs aren’t properly posted and kept clear of obstruction from nearby foliage, a driver can easily end up in a dangerous situation.

When to Contact a Colorado Car Accident Attorney

You may have a more difficult time receiving restitution for injuries and property damage when dealing with a government entity. The processes involved in these cases are far more complex than those you deal with after a car wreck with another driver.

If you have been involved in a car accident in Colorado where it is clear there was no negligence on the part of any of the drivers involved –and if you suspect bad roads are to blame – you should seriously consider contacting a car accident attorney.

Continue reading these related articles for more information….

• Defensive Driving – How You Can Prevent Auto Collisions and Save Money, Too
• Tips for Safely Traveling Colorado Roads During the Winter
• Keeping Your Teen Driver Safe on Colorado’s Roads
• What to Do After a Car Accident

**NOTE – this article and all content at Injurylawcolorado.com is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice