What if My Accident Was Caused by a Missing or Obstructed Road Sign?

February 21, 2023

Car accidents happen in the United States every year for a myriad of reasons, including those caused by missing or obstructed road signs. Road signs are designed to alert motorists of upcoming road conditions, directions, and regulate traffic flow in order to maintain safety.

Signs that are missing, improperly positioned, or inadequately maintained can lead to serious accidents and injuries, including fatalities. Missing or obstructed common signs and potential types of accidents include:

• Stop sign: Missing or obstructed stop signs can cause motorists to drive into an intersection and into oncoming or crossing traffic.
• Yield: Yield signs alert drivers of approaching traffic, pedestrians, and those who have the right-of-way to slow down or stop before continuing. When signs are missing, drivers are not alerted and unknowingly drive into dangerous situations.
• One way sign: Many city streets are designated as “one way,” restricting traffic to one direction. If there are no signs, dangerous head-on collisions can occur.
• Sharp curve: These signs alert drivers to the road ahead so they will slow heading into the sharp curves. When signs are missing or obstructed, drivers may enter dangerous curves driving way too fast.
• Construction zones: Road crews work in inherently dangerous environments where accidents often result in fatalities. When no signs alert motorists, they may fail to slow down or drive straight into a hazardous area.

If a missing or obstructed road sign was the cause of your accident, the entity who installed or maintains the sign is typically at fault and liable. Generally, the local municipality is responsible for road sign maintenance, though some may employ private contractors.

Another common factor in the case of missing signs is theft in which case the individual who stole the sign would be liable, though identifying them is often difficult or impossible. If the sign has been missing for an extended period of time, however, that gives credence to the municipality’s negligence for not replacing it within a reasonable time.

Filing a car accident claim against a municipality for missing or hidden signs due to the municipality’s negligence is not simple, however. A lawyer can help you with your case and determine if you have legal options following an accident that resulted from a missing road sign.

Wilmington Car Accident Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Assist Clients Injured Due to Missing or Obstructed Road Signs

Road signs are designed to keep motorists safe on our nation’s roadways, and they alert drivers of upcoming road conditions. If signs are missing or obstructed, all motorists are at risk of a serious accident. If you have suffered injuries or property damage due to a missing or obstructed road sign, one of our Wilmington car accident lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. can help. Call us at 302-656-5445 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. We are located in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware, and we proudly assist clients in Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.