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Potholes, Poor Design, and the City: Who’s Really to Blame in Riverside County?

One second, everything feels normal—and the next, the car jolts like it hit a brick wall. That’s not a dramatic retelling. That’s just a pothole in Redlands. Drivers often ask who’s at fault when road conditions damage vehicles or cause injuries. The answer isn’t always simple. But one thing is clear: roads in bad shape aren’t just annoying. They’re dangerous. That’s where a Redlands car accident attorney can help. With help from Avrek Law, people who’ve been injured in an accident caused by unsafe roads have options.

Avrek Law has recovered Over $2 Billion for people injured in accidents. Founded by Maryam Parman, the team focuses only on personal injury cases. Insurance companies may try to minimize a claim. But experienced accident and injury attorneys can hold the right parties accountable—whether it’s another driver or the city itself.

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Cracks In The System: Who Maintains The Roads?

Potholes don’t appear overnight. They’re signs of years of neglect or bad design. But who is in charge of fixing them?

In California, roads are typically maintained by:

  1. Cities – local streets and minor roads
  2. Counties – rural and some regional roads
  3. State – highways and interstates

Local roads may look ordinary, but they can hide real hazards. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, over 4,400 lives were lost in motor vehicle crashes in California in 2022—highlighting just how deadly poor conditions can be. Bad pavement doesn’t just rattle the car. A sudden blow from a deep pothole can pop a tire, snap an axle, or force a driver into oncoming lanes—any of which can trigger a serious crash.

When someone has been injured due to a pothole or bad signage, a car accident lawyer Redlands may be able to help identify who’s responsible—and whether a claim can be made.

Poor Design Can Cause Big Trouble

Some roads are dangerous before they even age. Bad planning, poor lighting, unclear signs, or sharp turns can create a perfect setup for disaster. And it’s not just cars. Cyclists and pedestrians are at risk too.

The most common design-related issues include:

  • Intersections with bad visibility
  • Roads that flood easily
  • Lack of warning signs
  • Sudden lane drops or changes
  • Crosswalks without proper signals

Certain intersections and stretches of road have even been labeled the most dangerous roads in California for drivers and pedestrians.

In these situations, a car accident lawyer Redlands CA can gather professional testimony, collect crash data, and make a strong case for the injured party. Legal help can make a big difference, especially when going up against city or state agencies.

It Was Just A Bump . . . Or Was It?

Some injuries don’t show up right away. After a jolt from a pothole or a fender bender caused by slick paint on the road, it might seem like everything is fine. But a few days later, back pain or neck stiffness shows up.

This is where many people make a costly mistake. They wonder, “is my injury too minor to bother filing a claim, so they do nothing. That’s exactly what insurance companies hope for.

A skilled accident and injury attorney can help evaluate the full scope of injuries. They know how to calculate future medical costs, pain and suffering, and lost wages. With the right support, it’s easier to stand up for what’s fair.

Roads Don’t Just Break Cars—They Break Lives

In 2023, the city of Redlands saw hundreds of crashes. According to UC Berkeley’s Transportation Injury Mapping System, many involved unsafe conditions like potholes, debris, or uneven pavement. People are being hurt—and not just with scrapes or bruises.

Crashes can lead to:

  • Hospital visits
  • Physical therapy
  • Missed work or school
  • Emotional trauma
  • Permanent disabilities

After a car accident in Redlands today, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Who should be held responsible? What should happen next? A Redlands car accident attorney can help answer those questions and guide the next steps.

The City Might Be Liable—But Timing Matters

Government agencies can be held responsible for poor road design or upkeep. But there’s a catch—there are strict rules about how and when a claim must be filed. Waiting too long may cancel the chance to seek any compensation at all.

To file a claim against a city or public entity, there’s usually a short window—sometimes just six months. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer Redlands understands those rules and deadlines. The right legal help makes it possible to act quickly and correctly.

What To Do After A Crash Caused By Road Conditions

Anyone who suspects that a bad road caused their accident should do the following:

  1. Document the scene – Take pictures of the pothole, broken signs, or poor lighting.
  2. Get medical attention – Even small injuries can get worse later.
  3. Talk to a lawyer – A car accident lawyer Redlands CA can help collect evidence and file claims on time.
  4. Keep all records – Save receipts, repair bills, and doctor’s notes.

Many victims try to go it alone. But it’s hard to stand up against a city or insurance company without support. Avrek Law knows what tactics insurers use and how to push back effectively.

You Don’t Have To Handle This Alone

Not every accident is caused by another driver. Sometimes, it’s the road itself that’s to blame. When that happens, it’s not just bad luck. It could be negligence. And negligence means compensation might be available.

The law allows victims to seek payment for:

  • Medical bills
  • Car repairs
  • Pain and suffering
  • Missed income
  • Permanent disability

Working with experienced accident and injury attorneys helps victims focus on healing, not paperwork. And working with the team at Avrek makes it easier to prove a case and avoid common mistakes.

Ready To Take The First Step?

There’s no need to guess who’s responsible after an accident caused by potholes or poor road design. A qualified Redlands car accident attorney can help uncover the truth—and help victims get what they deserve.

Contact Avrek Law today. Call 24/7 at 866-598-5548, start a live chat, or fill out the form for a free case evaluation. There’s nothing to lose and potentially a lot to gain.

The roads might be broken. But recovery doesn’t have to be.

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