Who’s Responsible For Harm Due To Flooded Roads And Sidewalks?

Flat geography coupled with heavy rainfalls can flood areas in the state of Florida, creating hazardous conditions for both drivers and pedestrians. Flooded walkways and streets can make it difficult to see obstacles, increase the risk of accidents, and lead to serious injuries.

Healing from harm due to flooded spaces can be stressful, painful, and expensive. If you are in this situation, you may be wondering who’s responsible for your injuries. Talk to a Miami personal injury lawyer about the possibility of filing a claim.

When Can Another Party Be Held Responsible?

While many instances of flooding are natural and unavoidable, there are situations where another party may be held responsible for injuries resulting from accidents on flooded roads or sidewalks.

• Negligent maintenance of public spaces. Government entities and property owners have a duty to maintain safe roadways and sidewalks. If they fail to address known drainage issues or repair damaged infrastructure that contributes to dangerous flooding, they may be held liable for accidents that occur as a result.
• Construction or development issues. In some cases, construction companies or developers may be responsible if they have altered the natural drainage patterns in an area, leading to flooding that wouldn’t have occurred otherwise.
• Property owner negligence. If pooling water occurs on private property, such as a parking lot or shopping center, the property owner may be responsible for injuries that happen due to the dangerous conditions.

Of course, there are also situations where flooding is simply an act of nature that no one can control. Heavy rainstorms, flash floods, and rising tides can overwhelm even the best-maintained roads and pedways. If the flooding was truly unavoidable, and no one’s negligence contributed to the unsafe conditions, it may be difficult to hold any party legally responsible.

That said, this doesn’t mean you’re out of options. Even if no one can be directly blamed for the flooding, you may still be able to file a claim with your insurance to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

How Can I Learn More About My Options?

A seasoned Miami personal injury lawyer can help you determine if you have a case against a negligent party, whether that’s a property owner, government entity, or construction company. They can also help you navigate the complexities of insurance claims to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Because you may not be sure how you will be accessing compensation in the immediate aftermath of an accident injury, it’s important to take basic steps to protect yourself and your rights. For example, take photos of the flooded area, any visible hazards, and the injuries you’ve sustained. Also, even if your injuries seem minor, it’s crucial to see a doctor as soon as possible.

Were you injured while traveling? While some flooding happens naturally from time to time, there are cases when poor maintenance or negligence can contribute to these dangerous conditions. Connect with the attorneys at Spencer Morgan Law to explore avenues to recovery. Call 305-423-3800 to book a confidential consultation.