Winter in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, is not just cold—it’s the season when potholes proliferate, creating dangerous road conditions. Potholes are a common cause of car accidents during the winter months, as drivers either hit them directly or swerve to avoid them. Navigating these hazards can be challenging, even for cautious drivers. If you have been injured in an accident caused by a pothole, it may be possible to hold the responsible government entity legally accountable.
Why More Potholes Form in the Winter
Potholes are most common in winter due to the repeated freeze–thaw cycle. When snow, ice, or rain seeps into small cracks in the road:
- Water expands as it freezes, widening the cracks.
- Warmer daytime temperatures cause the ice to melt, allowing more water to penetrate.
- Repeated expansion and contraction gradually break apart asphalt or concrete.
Additional factors in Cherry Hill that accelerate pothole formation include:
- Heavy winter traffic on major roads such as Route 70, Haddonfield Road, and Route 38.
- Snowplows that scrape the pavement.
- Road salt, which can weaken asphalt over time.
Even small cracks can quickly turn into deep potholes, creating serious hazards for drivers.
How Potholes Cause Accidents and Vehicle Damage
Potholes can cause accidents in multiple ways:
- Loss of Vehicle Control: Hitting a pothole may cause abrupt swerving, hard braking, or loss of steering control, increasing the risk of collisions with other vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians.
- Vehicle Damage: Potholes can damage tires, wheels, and suspension systems, potentially leading to blowouts or mechanical failures.
- Evasive Maneuvers: Even if a driver avoids the pothole, sudden swerving or braking may result in an accident, especially in heavy traffic or poor visibility.
Drivers traveling at higher speeds or in snowy, icy, or dark conditions are particularly vulnerable to pothole-related accidents in Cherry Hill.
Filing a Lawsuit Against the Government for Road Defects
In some cases, you may be able to hold a government entity responsible for injuries caused by potholes. However, there are important legal distinctions:
- The government is not required to fix every pothole immediately.
- They must repair dangerous road conditions within a reasonable time after they knew—or should have known—about the hazard.
Proving a claim against a government entity can be challenging because you must show:
- When the dangerous condition arose.
- What the government knew or should have known.
- That they failed to act within a reasonable timeframe.
Compensation is usually reserved for cases where the government had clear notice of the hazard and did not take timely action.
Legal Process for Claims Against the Government in Cherry Hill
If the pothole was on a county road, you must file a claim with the appropriate local government office. Key deadlines apply:
- Notice Requirement: In New Jersey, you typically must notify the government entity of your claim within 90 days of the incident.
- Evidence Collection: Photos, witness statements, and repair records can help demonstrate that the government failed to maintain safe road conditions.
Due to these strict timelines and procedural requirements, working with an experienced Cherry Hill car accident lawyer is critical to building a strong case.
Geo-Specific Risks in Cherry Hill
Certain Cherry Hill roadways are more prone to pothole-related accidents, especially in winter:
- Route 70: A major east-west corridor with heavy commercial and commuter traffic.
- Haddonfield Road (CR 644): Narrow lanes and frequent stop-and-go traffic increase pothole hazards.
- Route 38: High traffic volume combined with snowplow activity creates potential risk.
- Local Residential streets: Side streets often experience slower pothole repairs, increasing exposure for local drivers.
Understanding these local conditions helps attorneys target their investigation and gather compelling evidence.
Preventing Pothole-Related Injuries
While it is impossible to completely avoid winter potholes, drivers in Cherry Hill can reduce risks by:
- Driving cautiously, especially during or after snowstorms.
- Maintaining a safe following distance to allow reaction time.
- Reporting potholes to the municipal or county public works department.
- Inspecting your vehicle regularly for suspension and tire issues.
Even with precautions, accidents can still occur. In these cases, legal support is essential.
Contact the Cherry Hill Car Accident Lawyers at Pressman, Doyle, Bloom, & York
If you have been injured in a car accident caused by potholes or poor road maintenance, contact the Cherry Hill car accident lawyers at Pressman, Doyle, Bloom, & York. Acting quickly is critical because claims against government entities have shorter deadlines. Schedule a free consultation today by filling out an online contact form or calling 856-843-8990. Our offices in Cherry Hill, NJ, and Media, PA, serve clients throughout both states.