Dangerous road conditions are more than an inconvenience – they are a real safety risk. February 2025 Motor Vehicle Collision reports show that the Belt Parkway and the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway are two of the borough’s most dangerous roads. If you or a loved one has been in a crash caused by hazardous road conditions, you may be able to seek compensation.
Cellino Law attorneys have helped many Brooklyn residents recover compensation after heartbreaking accidents. We have 60+ years of experience and have won over $2 billion for injury victims in New York. We’re ready to fight for you.Call us today for a free consultation, and let our lawyers review your case while you focus on your health.
Road Hazards That Cause Serious Accidents
Brooklyn’s complex roads create many hazards for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. Promptly addressing these dangers is very important. Below are some dangerous road conditions to watch out for.
Pothole and pavement dangers
Weather cycles and heavy traffic can lead to pavement damage throughout the borough. These road defects can lead to car accidents and bike crashes.
Pavement dangers to avoid include:
- Deep potholes that can damage vehicles or cause drivers to swerve
- Crumbling asphalt creates unstable driving surfaces
- Uneven pavement is dangerous for motorcyclists and cyclists
- Sinking road sections create unexpected dips
- Pavement edge drop-offs can cause vehicles to lose control
Government agencies need to repair these hazards within a reasonable timeframe. When they fail to do so, they may be held liable for resulting accidents.
Dangerous drainage and weather-related conditions
Poor drainage systems on New York streets make roads dangerous, especially after rainstorms.
Bad drainage can lead to serious road hazards, including:
- Stagnant water that increases skidding risks
- Poor water runoff that creates ice formation in winter
- Clogged storm drains that cause unexpected flooding in areas
- Debris buildup in drainage areas pushes water onto roadways
Proper road upkeep includes well-designed drainage systems. When these systems are neglected, responsible agencies may face liability claims.
Missing signs and traffic signal problems
Brooklyn’s complex network needs clear signage and working traffic signals to keep everyone safe. Proper signage and working signals prevent confusion and collisions. When these safety measures fail, accidents increase.
Common signage problems that cause accidents include:
- Missing or damaged warning signs at dangerous locations
- Poorly placed signs that don’t give drivers enough time to react
- Broken traffic lights that create confusion about the right-of-way
- Signal timing problems that don’t match traffic patterns
- Faded or hidden road markings that don’t show lanes or restrictions
The transportation departments responsible must ensure that these safety features work properly as well as provide proper warnings to prevent dangerous situations and serious crashes.
Who Pays for Injuries Caused by Dangerous Road Conditions?
Determining who is responsible for road condition accidents is a difficult process. This process often involves more than one potentially responsible party. Below are examples of parties who may be held liable.
Government agencies
New York City and the State Department of Transportation are mainly responsible for road safety. If these entities neglect their responsibilities, they may be liable for resulting accidents.
Government agencies must maintain roads by:
- Checking roads for dangerous conditions regularly
- Fixing hazardous conditions promptly after they are reported
- Putting in place reasonable safety measures to prevent accidents
- Providing proper warnings about known hazards
- Following established upkeep schedules for road repairs
Filing a claim against a government entity involves strict deadlines. If you wait too long, you may lose your right to seek compensation. At Cellino Law, we advise consulting an experienced personal injury lawyer before filing. This will ensure that all required processes and deadlines are followed.
Private contractors and construction companies
Construction firms working on roads must follow safety rules. If their negligence creates hazards, they may be responsible.
Examples of contractor negligence include:
- Failing to set up proper signage or barriers leads to driver or pedestrian confusion
- Leaving debris, tools, or equipment in the roadway creates obstacles for vehicles
- Poorly securing temporary road surfaces, causing uneven pavement or loose gravel
- Neglecting to repair or mark open trenches increases the risk of falls or vehicle damage
- Blocking visibility with construction materials or machinery, leading to collisions
How Our Lawyers Build Strong Road Hazard Accident Cases
Winning a road condition claim requires a strategic approach. Our experienced personal injury lawyers build strong cases for our clients. We use proven methods to win road condition claims.
Investigating road conditions that caused your accident
Government agencies often fix dangerous conditions right after accidents. This can remove crucial evidence. We must act quickly to preserve evidence for your case. Fast action helps us build strong claims instead of weak ones.
Our lawyers understand the importance of:
- Documenting dangerous road conditions before repairs remove evidence
- Taking photos of hazards from multiple angles to show their severity
- Identifying visibility issues that may have contributed to the accident
- Interviewing witnesses who can testify about the road condition
Expert testimony in road hazard cases
Proving who is at fault for dangerous road conditions can be tough. Experts help judges and juries understand the technical details of your case. They explain complex engineering concepts in simple terms. This strengthens your claim and improves your chances of fair compensation.
Compensation After a Brooklyn Road Hazard Accident
A serious accident can disrupt your life in an instant. You may deserve compensation if bad road conditions caused your crash. A skilled personal injury lawyer can help you get compensation for physical and financial losses.
Medical expenses
Medical expenses are often the biggest worry after an accident. When you file an injury claim, you can get compensation for such costs.
Our lawyers have experience recovering medical care costs like:
- Emergency treatment
- Hospital stays
- Surgeries
- Rehabilitation
- Ongoing therapy
You shouldn’t have to worry about how to afford the care you need to heal. We work to ensure you have the financial support to move forward.
Lost income and future earnings
Injuries often keep people from working, causing financial stress. We help recover compensation for lost wages from missed work or reduced earning potential. For permanent injuries, we use experts to calculate your future losses. This ensures your long-term needs are protected.
Pain and suffering
The impact of an accident goes beyond medical bills and lost income.
You could get compensation for the following:
- Physical pain
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Effect of injuries on your relationships and independence
We take time to understand how your injuries changed your life. Our goal is to fight for the compensation you need to move forward with dignity and peace of mind.
Contact the Brooklyn Accident Lawyers of Cellino Law
Road condition accidents can turn your life upside down. Without an experienced lawyer backing you up, you might feel overwhelmed by your losses. Dealing with government agencies can be scary and complex. But—worry not—Cellino Law is here to fight for your rights.
At Cellino Law, we understand the emotional and financial burden an injury can bring. Our attorneys handle every aspect of your case, from investigating to negotiating and filing. We take care of the legal process so you can focus on healing.
You deserve support, guidance, and fair compensation. Call us today for a free consultation with our Brooklyn road hazard lawyers. We have helped many people in similar situations, and we are here to help you too.