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Road signs are essential to keeping drivers safe. They warn drivers about speed limits. They might tell drivers when it is safe to turn on a red or when drivers should yield to other vehicles. Some of the most important road signs are warning signs. These signs include:
- Turn and Curve Warnings
- Intersection Signs
- Merge Warnings
- Lane Ending Warnings
- Divided Highway Warnings
- Limited Visibility Warnings
- Hill Warnings
- Pedestrian Crossing Warnings
- Construction Warnings
- Bike Lanes
- School Zones
- Animal Crossings
- One-Way Roads
- Do Not Enter Signs
These are just some of the important signs that tell drivers that hazards or dangers are up ahead. However, when signs are missing or damaged, accidents can occur. A missing yield sign or a yield sign obstructed by foliage or snow can make it difficult for drivers to know who has the right of way. Missing warning signs can fail to let drivers know about hazards they might encounter on the road. For example, failure to post a proper turn or curve warning can surprise a truck driver or SUV driver. If an SUV or truck driver takes the curve too quickly, a rollover accident can occur. Lane ending warnings give drivers a chance to merge sooner rather than later, preventing lane merging crashes when the lane suddenly ends. Limited visibility warnings prevent accidents that can occur when a car tries to pass another on two-lane highways. Pedestrian crossing warnings can let drivers know that pedestrians often cross the street on a given road or intersection or have the right of way in a given location. Bike lanes protect bicyclists by requiring drivers to give them space on busy roads. School zone signs let drivers know that there might be children trying to cross the street at certain times. And construction warnings can let drivers know that they need to slow down because there might be debris on the road or workers present. Animal crossing signs warn road users that animals might be present on the road, protecting both animals and people. One-way road signs and do not enter signs are important because it can often prevent drivers from entering the highway on the wrong ramp, preventing potentially serious wrong-way highway accidents.
When a city fails to post proper warning signs, or when cities fail to properly maintain road signs, accidents can happen. If you or someone you love was hurt in a car crash because of a missing or damaged road sign, you and your family might be able to seek damages from the city or municipality where the sign was missing. Suing a city or government entity can sometimes be more complicated than suing a private individual, due to sovereign immunity laws. But when cities and states fail to maintain their roads, accidents can happen. Private parking lots and private road owners may have a duty to post signs to warn users about possible risks. For example, larger private parking lots may need to put stop signs, speed limits, and yield warnings, where needed. Individuals may have a right to hold these entities accountable when they are hurt because of a lack of proper signage. Contact the Cooper Law Firm, a personal injury law firm in Texas today to learn more about your rights and options under the law if you’ve been hurt in a crash due to missing or improper signage.
Road Maintenance in Texas
Cities, states, and municipalities have a responsibility to maintain their roads. Road maintenance involves so much more than sealing up potholes and fixing damaged roadways. Proper road maintenance involves maintaining signs, and putting up proper road signs where they are needed. Private road owners and private parking lots may also be required to have proper signage. Traffic signals should be in proper working order, and when these signals fail to work, accidents can happen. When cities fail to clean up road debris, or fail to remove ice or snow from the road in a timely manner, accidents can also happen. Steep shoulders that aren’t protected by railings can also pose a hazard.
Did a failed traffic signal or lack of signage or damaged sign result in your Texas car accident? The Texas personal injury lawyers at the Cooper Law Firm may be able to help you. Our accident lawyers offer clients a free initial consultation during which we can review your case and offer you guidance on the next steps.
Seek Justice Today
If you or someone you love was hurt because of bad or confusing signage, you may be able to seek damages for your medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The Cooper Law Firm is a personal injury law firm in Texas that offers individuals caring and compassionate counsel, guiding them through their options under the law. You and your family may only have a limited amount of time to seek damages. Contact our attorneys today to learn more.
