Potholes and Car Crashes: The Hidden Danger on West Virginia Roads

Imagine you’re driving down the road, minding your own business, when—BAM!—your car jolts violently. You’ve hit a pothole. Your heart races as you struggle to maintain control, hoping the impact didn’t cause any serious damage. But what if it did? What if that pothole led to a tire blowout, a sudden swerve into oncoming traffic, or even a crash?

Potholes aren’t just an inconvenience; they’re a real hazard that can cause serious accidents, injuries, and costly repairs. If you or a loved one has been involved in a crash caused by a pothole, you’re not alone—and you may have legal options. Keep reading to learn how potholes contribute to accidents, who may be responsible, and what you can do if you’ve been affected.

How Potholes Lead to Dangerous Car Accidents Potholes form when water seeps into cracks in the pavement, expands due to freezing temperatures, and weakens the road surface. Over time, heavy traffic and weather conditions break apart the weakened pavement, creating a hazard for unsuspecting drivers. The larger and deeper the pothole, the greater the risk of an accident.

Here’s how potholes contribute to crashes:

• Loss of Vehicle Control – Striking a pothole at high speed can cause drivers to lose control, especially on highways or winding roads.
• Tire Blowouts and Damage – Hitting a deep pothole can damage tires, rims, and suspension, increasing the risk of losing traction and crashing.
• Sudden Swerving – Drivers who notice a pothole at the last second may instinctively swerve to avoid it, potentially veering into another lane or off the road.
• Motorcycle and Bicycle Dangers – For motorcyclists and bicyclists, hitting a pothole can be catastrophic, leading to serious injuries or fatalities.

Who Is Responsible for Pothole-Related Accidents? Determining liability for a pothole-related crash can be complex. In some cases, the government agency responsible for road maintenance may be held accountable if they were negligent in addressing known road hazards. However, pursuing a claim against a city, county, or state requires proving that they failed to fix a dangerous pothole despite being aware of its existence.

Key factors in proving negligence include:

• Documentation showing that the pothole had been reported but not repaired
• Evidence that the government agency responsible for road maintenance failed to perform routine inspections
• Witness statements or accident reports linking the pothole to the crash

In some cases, private property owners may be responsible if the pothole was on their property and they failed to maintain safe conditions.

What to Do If a Pothole Causes Your Accident If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by a pothole, here are some important steps to take:

1. Document the Scene – Take photos of the pothole, your vehicle damage, and any injuries.
2. Call the Police – A police report can provide official documentation linking the pothole to your accident.
3. Seek Medical Attention – Even if you feel fine, injuries from pothole crashes can appear later.
4. Report the Pothole – Notify the local transportation department about the hazard.
5. Speak with a Personal Injury Attorney – An experienced lawyer can help determine if you have a case and guide you through the claims process.

Don’t Let a Pothole Wreck Your Life—We Can Help At Miley Legal, we understand how frustrating and costly a pothole-related accident can be. Our experienced personal injury attorneys can help you navigate the legal process, fight for compensation, and hold negligent parties accountable. If you’ve been injured due to a dangerous road condition, contact us today for a free consultation.

Don’t let a pothole crash put your future at risk. Call us now to discuss your case.