Potholes, debris, and uneven pavement are common sights on Utah roads. But when a driver hits an unmarked road hazard, the damage can be costly, and the question of who pays can be confusing. Many drivers assume that if a car accident wasn’t my fault, their insurance or the city will handle it automatically. The truth is, liability in these situations depends on timing, location, and how well the hazard was documented. That’s where hiring an auto accident attorney West Jordan from Porrazzo Rawlings Accident & Injury Law, formerly known as William Rawlings & Associates, makes all the difference.
What Counts as an “Unmarked Road Hazard”?
Unmarked road hazards include anything that creates a risk to vehicles but isn’t clearly signposted or cordoned off. Potholes, loose gravel, broken curbs, metal debris, or fallen construction materials all fit this category. These hazards can cause tire blowouts, undercarriage damage, or even multi-vehicle crashes when drivers swerve to avoid them.
A lawyer accident Utah from Porrazzo Rawlings Accident & Injury Law can investigate who’s liable. If the road was under construction, the contractor may be responsible for failing to post warning signs. If a city road crew left debris behind, municipal liability could apply. Evidence such as dashcam footage, maintenance records, and witness statements often determine whether a claim succeeds.
The challenge is that government entities operate under special rules known as “sovereign immunity,” which limits lawsuits against them unless strict procedures are followed. Missing a notice deadline or filing the wrong paperwork can lead to a denied claim, even if the city was clearly at fault. Working with a lawyer who knows those deadlines is key.
When the Damage Leads to a Collision
Sometimes an unmarked hazard causes more than a dented rim—it triggers a full car crash. A driver swerving to miss a deep pothole might collide with another vehicle or guardrail. In these cases, multiple parties could share responsibility.
A car wreck attorneys near me search will bring up many names, but not all have experience with these complex scenarios. Porrazzo Rawlings Accident & Injury Law stands out because they handle cases involving shared fault and state liability.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, roadway defects are a contributing factor in over 22,000 crashes per year across the country. That’s thousands of drivers who faced injuries or financial loss simply because a road wasn’t properly maintained. An auto accident attorney West Jordan from Porrazzo Rawlings can turn those numbers into action—holding the right parties accountable for failing to keep roads safe.
Gathering Evidence After You Hit a Road Hazard
The moments after hitting an unmarked hazard matter. The best step is to safely pull over and document everything: photos of the road, debris, or construction zone; damage to the vehicle; and nearby signage. Report the issue to local law enforcement or the city’s public works department.
Once that’s done, contact an auto accident lawyer West Jordan who understands how to preserve evidence and meet Utah’s legal deadlines for public claims. The attorneys at Porrazzo Rawlings Accident & Injury Law review police reports, insurance communications, and any correspondence with the city to build a case.
It’s common for government entities to argue that they weren’t aware of the hazard. A skilled legal team can show otherwise—demonstrating through maintenance logs or prior complaints that the danger had existed long enough to require warning signs or repairs.
Determining Who Pays for the Damage
Responsibility for unmarked road hazards can fall on different parties:
- City or county governments, if the hazard was on a public street.
- Construction companies, if work zones were left unsafe or unmarked.
- Private property owners, if hazards spilled from their driveways or parking lots.
Each type of claim follows different rules and filing deadlines. That’s where a lawyer accident Utah with Porrazzo Rawlings Accident & Injury Law becomes a key ally. Their team knows how to handle public liability forms, insurance disputes, and independent claims all at once.
When the City Denies Responsibility
City and county departments often reject claims, arguing that they lacked “notice” of the hazard. This defense can discourage drivers from pursuing compensation, but it doesn’t mean the claim is over. An auto accident attorney West Jordan from Porrazzo Rawlings Accident & Injury Law knows how to counter those arguments. By obtaining maintenance schedules and service requests, they can show that officials ignored previous complaints or delayed repairs. In many cases, these records reveal a pattern of neglect that strengthens the driver’s case.
Insurance companies can present another challenge. Even if you have full coverage, your insurer might classify the incident as a “collision” rather than a “comprehensive” claim, which affects your deductible and premium. Your attorney can communicate directly with the insurer to make sure you aren’t unfairly penalized for something outside your control.
What If the Hazard Caused You to Crash into Another Driver?
When a driver swerves to avoid debris and hits another car, both parties might file claims—and each will try to prove they weren’t the one at fault. A Porrazzo Rawlings attorney for car accident can help demonstrate that the hazard, not the driver, triggered the event.
They use professional evaluations and accident reconstruction techniques to show how the road defect caused a loss of control. If your car accident wasn’t my fault, it shouldn’t lead to higher insurance rates or denied coverage.
Protecting Yourself Before It Happens
While no one can predict every hazard, drivers can take steps to protect themselves legally. Keep a dashcam if possible, document vehicle damage immediately, and avoid making assumptions with insurance adjusters before speaking with an attorney.
A car wreck attorneys near me search might give you dozens of options, but choosing Porrazzo Rawlings Accident & Injury Law means working with a firm that focuses on precision, honesty, and results. Their team builds strong claims by combining witness statements, photos, and public records.
Call Porrazzo Rawlings Accident & Injury Law Today
If your vehicle was damaged by an unmarked road hazard or you were injured after hitting debris, you deserve clear answers. Contact an auto accident attorney West Jordan at Porrazzo Rawlings Accident & Injury Law today. Call their office at (801) 553-0505, start a live chat, or fill out their online form for a free consultation. Their team is ready to help you secure compensation and hold the right parties accountable.