For many, driving at night can be a very freeing experience, as there is less congestion and more quiet. As such, you may be excited to roll down your windows, turn up the music, and cruise. However, this experience can be short-lived if you are involved in an accident due to poor street lighting. Unfortunately, these accidents are more common than you may believe, so understanding how they happen, as well as who can face liability for the damages you’ve endured. The following blog explores what you should know about these matters, including the importance of working with a car accident lawyer in Sacramento, California, to help you explore your legal options.
How Can Poor Street Lighting Lead to a Collision?
When there is a lack of adequate lighting along roadways, it increases the likelihood of accidents. This is because drivers are less likely to see hazards in or near the road, like potholes, animals, tree branches, stalled vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians. As such, this can lead to a serious accident, resulting not only in damage to your vehicle, but you can also sustain serious injuries and emotional damage as a result of these collisions.
Additionally, you’ll find that many drivers utilize their high beams while driving to increase visibility. While this can be beneficial, you may find that drivers who fail to turn their high beams off when approaching other drivers may cause sudden and temporary blindness or disorientation to drivers traveling in the opposite direction.
Who Can Face Liability for Damages?
In general, determining liability in an accident caused by inadequate lighting can be difficult, as there are a considerable number of factors you’ll need to consider. However, in general, it is ultimately the responsibility of the municipality responsible for maintaining the road. As such, you’ll need to determine if the town, county, or state is responsible for maintenance in order to ensure that the road is safe for those driving.
However, you’ll find that if you are involved in an accident with another driver, they can face liability for their actions if their negligence contributed to the accident. For example, if you are driving down an unlit road and another driver is speeding around a curve, both the driver and the municipality can be held liable for the damages you’ve suffered.
As you can see, these matters can be incredibly difficult to navigate, especially when you are healing from the injuries you’ve suffered. That is why working with the team at the Law Offices of Dale R. Gomes is in your best interest. Our team understands how complicated these matters can be, so we will do everything in our power to help you recover the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to learn how we can assist you.
