Can I Sue If Road Conditions Caused My Car Accident?
A car with visible front-end damage sits on a wet roadway next to a large pothole filled with water and debris. The damaged bumper and exposed components suggest the vehicle may have been affected by poor road conditions. Highlighting how hazardous pavement defects can contribute to serious car accidents.
Not all accidents are caused by another driver. In many cases across Los Angeles and nearby cities, poor road conditions. Like potholes, faded lane markings, or lack of warning signs, can directly contribute to serious car crashes. If this sounds familiar, you may be wondering: can I still file a claim, and who would I sue?
Let’s break it down.
Common Dangerous Road Conditions in LA
From downtown Los Angeles to suburbs like Pasadena, Inglewood, and Santa Monica, these road hazards are common:
Deep potholes
Uneven pavement
Broken traffic signals
Missing guardrails or signage
Debris left in the road
Poor lighting in intersections or tunnels
These conditions can cause you to lose control, damage your vehicle, or even lead to a multi-car collision.
Who’s Liable for Unsafe Roads?
When road conditions cause an accident, a government entity is often responsible for maintaining that roadway, whether it’s the City of Los Angeles, LA County, or Caltrans.
However, suing a government agency requires a very specific process and a short filing window (as little as 6 months in California), so time is critical.
You may also be able to sue:
Construction companies that left hazards behind
Private property owners if it occurred in a parking lot or private road
What You Need to Prove
To have a valid personal injury claim related to road conditions, you’ll need to show:
The road was dangerous
The agency or party responsible knew or should have known about the issue
The dangerous condition directly caused your accident and injuries
That’s where having an experienced attorney on your side makes a difference.
Don’t Miss Your Deadline
Claims involving government liability move fast. You typically have just 6 months to file a formal notice of claim in California. That’s much shorter than the standard 2-year personal injury window.
We Can Help You Get Compensated
At Crowley Law PC, we’ve helped drivers across Los Angeles, Culver City, West Hollywood, and beyond pursue compensation for injuries caused by unsafe road conditions. Whether your case involves a city street or a freeway managed by the state, we know how to navigate the system and fight for what you’re owed.
We’ll help you get the medical treatment you need and the compensation you deserve.
Here to make it right, when you've been wronged.
And Justice for All! ⚖️
Crowley Law PC
📞 (213) 325-5248
