Can I claim compensation if I crash because of a defect in the road surface or inadequate signage?
Your local authority is usually responsible for maintaining the roads. However, this does not mean that they will automatically be liable for any injury caused by any defect. You would normally need to prove that they failed to take reasonable steps to keep the road in reasonable condition. For example:
- If they failed to carry out a regular inspection and maintenance program.
- If they were aware of a significant fault but did nothing about it within a reasonable time.
If this is so, you may be entitled to claim compensation. Your claim is less likely to succeed if you contributed to the accident - for example, by driving too quickly.
