Liability for a Car Crash with a Fixed Object

March 15, 2021

While most car crashes involve vehicles, there are some that involve fixed objects, such as road signs, construction equipment, loose cargo that fell out of a truck, trash cans and many other things. Of course, you cannot blame the crash on the object, which means drivers, or another party, may be to blame.

If you were injured in a crash with a fixed object, you may be eligible to seek compensation one or more parties. As these cases can be complex, you should seriously consider finding an experienced attorney to help you. Our auto accident attorneys in Phoenix have recovered millions for crash victims and there are no upfront fees for our services.

Who May be Held Liable?

There are various parties who could be held liable for a crash with a fixed object.

Other Drivers

Drivers can cause crashes without hitting another vehicle. For example, a driver who cuts into someone else’s lane may cause another driver to maneuver to avoid hitting that vehicle and in turn may veer off the road or into a fixed object.

However, it may be tough to hold the other driver liable if he or she does not stop at the scene of the crash. The other driver may not even realize what he or she caused to happen. If the other driver does stop, you should be able to seek compensation in much the same way as you would after a crash with a car.

Construction Companies

If a construction company was negligent in how it set up a construction site, it may hold liability for a crash. For example, maybe equipment was left in the road or drivers were not adequately warned about the construction site with signs or cones.

However, if you were speeding or distracted while passing a construction site, you may be to blame for the crash. That is why it is important to be cautious when passing construction sites. Follow instructions on signs and watch for construction workers who may be directing traffic.

Property Owners

If a homeowner left trash, a tree branch or another object in the road, it could easily cause a crash. While you need to pay attention to your surroundings, homeowners could be held liable for these accidents. Business owners could also bear liability for fixed object collisions.

Car Manufacturers

Sometimes accidents are caused by mechanical failure in the vehicle. For example, maybe your brakes failed, or a tire blew out and this caused you to lose control and hit a road sign or a tree. If you can prove the accident would not have happened without a mechanical failure, you may have a case against the company that designed or manufactured the part. As these types of claims are often complicated, it is important to seek representation from an experienced attorney.

Truck Drivers

Crashes with commercial trucks are often fatal, which is why drivers may make quick maneuvers to avoid these crashes. However, maneuvering too fast could lead to a collision with a median or other fixed object.

You might also crash into loose cargo that fell out of the back of a commercial truck’s trailer. This might happen if cargo was not properly secured in the trailer. Maybe something was not tied down or there was too much cargo in the trailer.

If your lawyer can prove cargo was not loaded properly, the cargo-loading company and/or driver may bear liability for your damages.

Government Entities

Government entities are often responsible for maintaining and repairing roadways. This includes making sure roads have proper lighting so drivers can see clearly, such as streetlights, reflective patches on guardrails and clear warning signs.

If you were injured in a crash because the road was too dark, or road conditions (potholes, cracks in the road, uneven pavement, etc.) made you lose control of your vehicle, you may have acase against the municipality responsible for the maintenance of the road.

If you want to hold a government entity liable for a crash, you need to file a claim quickly. Make sure to get in touch with a licensed attorney as soon as possible.

Need Assistance After a Crash? Call Phillips Law Group

Insurance companies are always looking for ways to deny or devalue claims, no matter how seriously a crash victim may be injured. You should not count on the insurance company to take care of you after a crash.

You can seek legal representation from an attorney. However, you need an experienced attorney with a history of results.

Phillips Law Group has recovered hundreds of millions in compensation for accident victims throughout Arizona. There is no risk in contacting us because there are no upfront fees. We do not get paid unless you do.

Phillips Law Group. We are here to help. Call 1-800-706-3000 .