Car Accident Lawyer Looks at 6 Road Hazards in Las Vegas

           Las Vegas Now, the $305 billion bill will benefit drivers in Las Vegas. While the bill still needs to pass the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate before deadline, if passed, the money could significantly help Nevada repair and maintain its roads. Due to the recession, Nevada hasn’t been able to maintain its roads. This poses a real hazard to drivers.

Congress recently passed a five-year plan to fund maintenance, repair, and construction of highways and roads across the U.S. According to

to Las Vegas Now, the $305 billion bill will benefit drivers in Las Vegas. While the bill still needs to pass the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate before deadline, if passed, the money could significantly help Nevada repair and maintain its roads. Due to the recession, Nevada hasn’t been able to maintain its roads. This poses a real hazard to drivers. 

Every year, car accident attorneys like Ron Truman with Truman Law Firm, P.C. see countless preventable accidents that occur due to road hazards and driver error resulting from these hazards. Even if the funding passes, it will likely be years before Las Vegas roads are repaired. But what are the dangers and what can you do to protect yourself? Here are 6 road hazards that you may encounter and some precautions you can take to protect yourself and your family from car accidents.

           

1.      Potholes. Potholes usually form during the winter months. They can damage and strain your tires, wheels, and suspension, and sudden tire pressure loss from hitting a pothole can cause your car to swerve, resulting in an accident. According to Consumer Reports, drivers can protect themselves by carefully monitoring road conditions and by never underestimating a pothole. Some are deeper than they appear and it can be hard to judge a pothole’s severity just by looking at it while driving. Slow down if you see a pothole, but if you suspect damage to your vehicle, your safest bet is to pull over and inspect your tires. Finally, keep tires properly inflated to avoid the worst damage.

2.      Gravel and other debris. In the autumn, not all roads get cleared of leaves, branches, and other fall debris. Gravel and rocks can also pose a hazard. Debris makes the surface of the road uneven, leading to accidents.

3.      Icy conditions. Many municipalities keep roads salted in colder months, but it is important to drive carefully and slowly enough given the conditions of the road. It can sometimes be hard to tell just by looking whether a road has been salted. Even snow plowed roads can be slick and dangerous.

4.      Trash. Trash on the road is a major issue. Shred tires, truck debris, and garbage thrown from other vehicles can cause a flat tire, a blowout, or worse.

5.      Broken traffic signals. We trust red lights with our lives and few drivers slow down to check for oncoming traffic when they have a green light. Yet, a broken traffic signal can have serious consequences to all drivers on the road, especially if both drivers are given the green light.

6.      Construction hazards. Construction hazards require the city to narrow lanes. Road surfaces may not be even. Construction machinery can sometimes block traffic or move into oncoming traffic unexpectedly, causing accidents.

If you’ve been involved in an accident in Las Vegas, Nevada due to a road hazard, the law affords you important rights and protections. In some cases you can seek compensation for your injuries, losses, and damages from the city, from construction companies responsible for debris, or for negligent drivers who didn’t adjust their behavior to fit road conditions. A car accident lawyer in Las Vegas, Nevada may be able to assist you. If you or a loved one was hurt in an accident in Las Vegas, visit the Truman Law Firm, P.C. website at http://trumanlawfirm.com.