Is the Government Liable for Crashes on Dangerous Roads?

 Posted on February 14, 2025 in Car Accidents

Some roads and intersections are more dangerous than others. Whether due to traffic volume, higher speed limits, the frequent presence of pedestrians, or wildlife crossings, some roadways in Lake County, IL have seen multiple crashes in the last ten years. These collisions have injured people and killed several animals. The issue is so significant that a resolution was recently introduced in the Illinois State Senate, calling for the Illinois Department of Transportation to take immediate action.

Various government agencies are responsible for designing, building, and maintaining roads. They also have the authority to set speed limits and close roads. If these entities are negligent in their duties, they could be held accountable for the injuries you sustain in a collision on a dangerous road. Claims against the government are possible, but they are also complicated. Choosing an experienced Lake County, IL car accident attorney who understands how these cases work can ensure that you get the compensation you deserve.

What Roads and Intersections Are Addressed in the Illinois State Senate Resolution?

The text of the resolution states that during the last 10 years, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office processed 28 motor vehicle accidents at the intersection of Almond and Casey Roads. At least ten of those accidents caused injuries. The IL Route 120 and Almond Road intersection was the site of 83 crashes; at least 11 produced injuries.

In addition, Lake County is home to several Nature Preserves, with several species of endangered and threatened wildlife living in these areas. Vehicle collisions have killed multiple rare animals in Lake County.

This resolution asks for several measures to reduce accident risks, including improving the Almond and Casey Road intersection, lowering the speed limit, and permanently closing Almond Road at its intersection with Route 120. The hope is that implementing these solutions will improve safety for Lake County travelers and the many wild animals that call this county home.

When Can a Government Agency Be Liable for Your Accident?

Many features can make roads unsafe, including:

• Deep potholes

• Broken pavement

• Narrow shoulders, particularly with a nearby drop-off

• Insufficient lighting or signage

• Unrepaired bridges and overpasses

If the set speed limit is too high for road conditions, it may be possible to hold the responsible agency accountable. For example, sharp curves that limit visibility often have temporarily lowered speed limits and signs warning drivers of the sharp curve ahead.

If you believe that some form of government negligence contributed to your crash, you should contact us right away. These claims have strict requirements and a significantly shorter filing deadline. A successful claim could provide you with financial compensation for your accident-related expenses and other eligible losses.

Schedule Your Case Review With Our Skilled Barrington, IL Car Accident Lawyer

Not every attorney is effective in claims against the government. At Barrington Injury Attorneys, our competent Lake County, IL personal injury attorney is not intimidated by complicated claims like these. We offer free consultations, so request yours online or by calling 224-900-HURT today.