When serious car accidents occur on public roadways, injured parties often look to government entities for compensation, alleging failures in roadway maintenance or design. However, these cases frequently hinge on whether the state met its legal duty to maintain roads in a reasonably safe condition. A recent New York ruling addressed these issues in a personal injury lawsuit filed against the State of New York following a single-vehicle crash on a winding mountain road. If you sustained injuries due to unsafe road conditions, a Syracuse personal injury attorney can help you evaluate your legal options.
Background of the Case
It is reported that the claimant was driving on State Routes 44/55 in Ulster County in the early morning hours after visiting a scenic overlook. As the claimant descended the mountain, he allegedly failed to navigate a sharp hairpin turn, causing his vehicle to crash into a rock wall. The claimant sustained injuries and subsequently filed a lawsuit against the State of New York, asserting that the state negligently failed to maintain the roadway in a reasonably safe condition.
It is alleged that the claimant argued that the state failed to install sufficient safety measures, such as guiderails and chevron warning signs, at the location of the hairpin turn. The claimant also asserted that inadequate signage and roadway markings contributed to his inability to safely navigate the curve.
It is reported that following a nonjury trial, the Court of Claims found that the state had met its duty to reasonably maintain the roadway and was not liable for the claimant’s injuries. The claimant appealed the decision, challenging the court’s findings and asserting that the verdict was against the weight of the evidence. Continue Reading ›