Many enjoy the freedom of driving at night, as there is less traffic, making the drive much more enjoyable. As such, you may roll your windows down, turn up the tunes, and hit the road. However, the last thing you expect when taking a drive at night is to be involved in a collision due to inadequate street lighting. Unfortunately, many are unfamiliar with their rights in these matters, so if this represents your circumstances, you’ll want to continue reading. The following blog explores what you should know about fighting for the justice you deserve with the assistance of a San Angelo, Texas auto accident lawyer to help you through these complex matters.
What Are the Dangers of Poor Street Lighting?
When driving down a road with poor street lighting, the biggest risk is reduced visibility. Unfortunately, this can drastically increase the risk of a collision, as motorists may not be able to avoid hazards once they appear in the vehicle’s headlights. For example, if an animal enters the roadway, a driver may not have adequate time to stop for the animal, thus having to make the difficult decision of swerving and potentially colliding with a tree, guardrail, or other vehicle, or hitting the animal.
You should also note that when a road is dark, many drivers utilize their highbeams to greater illuminate the road and increase visibility. However, this sudden influx of light, especially when approaching a driver with their high beams on, can result in temporary blindness as your eyes adjust to the light. This temporary blindness can result in a crash, as the driver may be unable to see hazards on the road.
Who Can Face Liability if I’m Injured as a Result?
Determining liability for car crashes and subsequent injuries due to poor street lighting can be complicated. Though it may seem relatively straightforward, there are a number of important factors and considerations that must be taken into account.
In general, the primary party that can face liability is the municipality responsible for maintaining the street lights. If they fail to remedy issues like burnt-out bulbs, electrical issues, or any other defect that can cause poor lighting, the town, county, or state may face liability, depending on the jurisdiction responsible.
However, if there are other factors present that could have contributed to the collision, such as a negligent driver, they can also share a portion of the blame. If another driver was speeding or driving without their lights on and you collide, they can also face liability for their negligence in the matter.
Because these matters can be incredibly difficult to navigate, it’s in your best interest to connect with an experienced personal injury attorney to help you recover the compensation you deserve. Filing a claim against a municipality or negligent driver in Texas can be overwhelming, which is why the team at the Mathis Law Firm, PLLC, is committed to helping you every step of the way. Our dedicated attorneys will examine your circumstances to help you determine the best course of action for your circumstances to help you fight for the compensation and justice you deserve. Contact us today to learn how we can fight for you.
