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Home / Practice Areas / Road Design / Maintenance
Road Design / Maintenance

Road Design / Maintenance

Millions of people drive the streets and highways of Washington State every year trusting that the government has properly designed and maintained those roadways for safe use. However, not all roadways are in good condition, and preventable personal injury can occur when drivers encounter unexpected hazards. Safe design requires that road users must have sufficient time to be able to see, process and react to roadway conditions. Highway design and maintenance problems that can cause serious automobile accidents include:

  • Lack of proper signage regarding safe speed, approaching curves or approaching hazards
  • Defective or inadequate traffic controls, such as stoplights, stop signs, or lane or road edge striping
  • Lack of proper guardrails
  • Visual impediments along the roadway such as bushes or trees that were not adequately cleared during construction or trimmed as they grew
  • Road shoulder drop-off that prevents drivers who have left the roadway from safely re-entering
  • Excessive oil or gravel due to resurfacing or road maintenance procedures
  • Failure to alert drivers of road damage or other dangers caused by potholes, water pooling or ongoing construction

If you are involved in a car accident that may be caused by poor highway design or maintenance, obtaining adequate compensation can involve complex litigation. In most circumstances, expert witnesses with backgrounds in highway design and safety must be hired to analyze your claim. You most likely will have to bring a claim against the State, a county or a city for its negligence. While the general rule of law is that roadways must be maintained in a safe condition for the users of the roadway, there is room for interpretation as to what this requires. In all likelihood, the government will deny liability for your damages and require that you prove the reasons supporting legal fault.

When you are trying to prove a claim against any government entity, having experienced legal counsel will make a tremendous difference in the outcome of your case. The attorneys at Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler, understand how to prepare claims involving highway design and maintenance. Our lawyers are familiar with the depth of investigation and research necessary to prove negligence, and we work closely with respected expert witnesses who can provide relevant technical testimony where appropriate.

When an accident occurs as a result of poor highway design or maintenance, contacting a knowledgeable attorney quickly is important. The government will act quickly in order to protect its interest, and so should you. There are claim filing requirements and statutes of limitation that can impact your ability to file claims at a later date, so legal action must be taken promptly in order to receive any financial compensation.

If you suffered serious injuries after an accident resulting from poor highway conditions, call the trial lawyers of Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler now at (866) 454-7445 or click here to submit a FREE case review. Let our experience work for you.

Are You a Victim of the MultiCare-Good Samaritan Hospital Hepatitis C Exposure?
Our firm is actively taking on representation of clients who were patients at MultieCare-Good Samaritan Hospital and were exposed to Hepatitis C and perhaps other diseases. We are investigating the actions of MultiCare and its employees as well as the MultiCare system itself that led to this crisis occurring.

If you have information about this incident, or previous incidences of MultiCare employees misusing narcotic medications intended for patients, or if you have legal questions about this matter and your rights, our lawyers are available to assist you at 253-383-5388.
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Case Results

  • "Client was disabled from working in prior profession after sustaining a severe closed head injury and brain trauma in an automobile accident on Interstate 5. $7,845,000. "

  • "Pedestrian client was struck by semi-truck, and the trailer wheels rolled over client’s body causing severe injury. $1,145,000. "

  • "Client was involved in a head-on collision when a bus crossed the center line. Client suffered a severe closed head injury preventing him from returning to his previous employment. $884,998. "

  • "Client was involved in serious head-on collision with uninsured motorist while on-the-job, resulting in physical injury and posttraumatic stress disorder. Client can no longer work as a commercial truck driver. $708,000. "

  • "Client was a rear seat passenger in a vehicle that was involved in an automobile accident. Client was severely injured as the result of a defective seatbelt, while the other three occupants of the vehicle sustained only minor injuries. $650,000. "

  • "Client was killed in automobile accident caused by defendant’s failure to yield the right-of-way. $650,000. "

  • "Minor client was on his way to school and was struck by a vehicle while crossing the street in a marked crosswalk. Defendant driver had pulled into oncoming lane to pass another vehicle and struck client, causing serious injuries. $500,000. "

  • "Client was killed as a result of an in-cab fuel tank, which caught fire after an automobile accident. $350,000. "

  • "Client riding a bicycle was struck by a motorist who failed to yield the right-of-way. Client sustained numerous injuries, including a closed head injury. $120,000. "

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  • "I have been a client of Dan Kyler’s since 1996. Having had numerous car accidents, I rely upon Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler to help me through them. The most obscure questions have been answered and help is given on all levels. Thanks."

  • "John Wilson demonstrated his professionalism by keeping us current on our case, explaining our options, giving us realistic expectations and demonstrating the highest level of ethics and integrity beyond reproach. We have the highest confidence that we were well represented."

  • "Dan Hannula’s hard work helped to settle my auto accident case. "

  • "Having a motorcycle accident was bad enough, let alone dealing with insurance companies. John Wilson and his staff made everything easy to understand and hassle free. "

  • "I am extremely satisfied with the service I experienced with this firm and I would recommend them to anyone that needs legal representation. Michael Fisher and his staff are great people. "

  • "Vern Harkins perseverance and hard work made it possible to get the maximum settlement from the insurance company. I know he had my interest in mind as demonstrated by his actions. "

  • "The office staff were courteous, pleasant and kept me informed as to what was going on throughout the whole ordeal. "

  • "Molly Crowley is a very professional and knowledgeable lawyer. I felt I was very well represented!! "

  • "Molly Crowley was knowledgeable, kept me informed every step of the way and just did a great job! "

  • "We got a fair settlement and were treated with respect and dignity throughout the whole process. -Blake W. "

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