Chicago Road Defects Lawyer

This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founder, Joseph Conboy who has years of legal experience. Our last modified date shows when this page was last reviewed.

Last updated on: March 26, 2025

Joseph Conboy | March 26, 2025
Chicago Road Defects Lawyer

Has a dangerous road caused your car accident? At Conboy Law, we focus on helping victims of accidents caused by road defects. These dangerous conditions lead to serious injuries each year. You deserve full compensation for your suffering, and our team has the skills to help you get it.

Our Chicago Road Defects Lawyer Fights for Car Accident Victims

We at Conboy Law unwaveringly support road defect victims. Our firm has a strong record of success in these complex cases, winning compensation for clients who suffered due to poor road conditions. We know the pain and stress you face after such an unexpected crash.

Roadway defects create truly devastating car accidents that can change lives forever. When you hit a major pothole or slide off a poorly designed shoulder, the results can be catastrophic. You might now face growing medical bills, lost wages from missed work, and ongoing physical pain that affects your daily life.

We understand that taking on government entities in road defect cases brings unique challenges. Our attorneys have developed effective strategies to overcome the special protections these parties enjoy. Your recovery is our main goal, and we will use every legal tool available to fight for the money you need and deserve.

Road Defects and Their Impact on Chicago Auto Accidents

Road defects and their impact on Chicago auto accidents

Chicago’s aging infrastructure creates truly dangerous driving conditions throughout the city. The harsh weather cycle of freezing winters and hot summers speeds up road breakdown. When rain, snow, and ice combine with existing defects, roads become even more treacherous for drivers.

These hazardous conditions often cause motorists to lose control of their vehicles without warning. Each year, hundreds of Chicago drivers crash due to road defects, with many suffering serious injuries. When your car hits an unmarked pothole or you slide off the road with no guardrail, the impact can cause life-changing harm.

Common Types of Road Defects Leading to Crashes

Potholes and uneven pavement rank among the most common and dangerous road defects in Chicago. When your car strikes these hazards, your tires can blow out, or your steering can jerk unexpectedly. Many drivers swerve to avoid them and end up hitting other cars or fixed objects. Your vehicle may even flip over if you hit a severe pavement drop at higher speeds.

Some of the most hazardous road defects in Chicago include:

  • Potholes – Cause tire blowouts and sudden loss of control
  • Uneven pavement – Creates dangerous driving surfaces and unexpected vehicle movements
  • Shoulder drop-offs – Lead to rollovers when tires catch the edge
  • Missing guardrails – Allow cars to veer off roads in dangerous areas
  • Poor drainage – Causes water pooling and hydroplaning
  • Inadequate signage – Fails to warn drivers of upcoming hazards
  • Improper lane markings – Create confusion about proper lane positioning
  • Construction zone hazards – Unmarked work areas without proper barriers
  • Crumbling road edges – Break away under the weight of vehicles

Legal Rights After a Road Defect Car Accident

You have clear rights to seek compensation after a road defect accident, even though cases against government entities come with special challenges. The roads you drive on should meet basic safety standards, and when they don’t, those responsible for maintenance and design must be held accountable for the harm they cause through their failure to keep roads safe.

Time matters greatly in these cases, and working with experienced injury lawyers right away gives you the best chance of success. We at Conboy Law know exactly how to build strong road defect claims. Our team understands the specific legal steps required when suing government bodies, and we can guide you through this complex legal process while you focus on healing.

Determining Liability in Road Design Failure Cases

Several different entities may be held responsible for road defect accidents. The City of Chicago handles many local streets, while Cook County and the State of Illinois maintain other major roads. Private contractors who performed faulty road work can also be liable. Our first job is to find out exactly who controls the stretch of road where your crash happened.

The concept of “notice” plays a key role in road defect cases. To win your claim, we must show that the responsible party knew or should have known about the dangerous condition but failed to fix it. If the defect existed for a long time or had been reported before, this strengthens your case significantly.

We use detailed investigations to establish who is responsible for your injuries. Our legal team works with road design experts, construction specialists, and accident reconstruction professionals to prove that a road defect caused your crash. This expert testimony helps show how the responsible party’s negligence led directly to your suffering and financial losses.

Time Limitations for Filing Road Defect Claims

The time to file claims against government entities is much shorter than for regular car accident cases. While most personal injury claims in Illinois allow two years to file, claims against public bodies often require formal notice within just one year—sometimes even less. Missing these strict deadlines can block your right to compensation completely.

The notice requirements and filing procedures for government claims include very specific information and formats. A small error in this process might result in your case being dismissed. Our team knows these requirements inside and out and will make sure all paperwork is filed correctly and on time. The sooner you call us after your accident, the better we can protect your rights.

Compensation Available to Road Defect Accident Victims

After a road defect accident, you may qualify for several types of financial compensation. These include payment for all medical expenses related to your injuries, both current and future. You can also recover lost wages if you miss work, plus compensation for any reduced earning ability. Vehicle repair costs, physical pain, emotional suffering, and loss of life enjoyment are all part of what you deserve.

We at Conboy Law fight hard to get you every dollar you deserve. Our team carefully tracks all your expenses and works with medical experts to project future care needs. We examine each detail of your case to build the strongest claim possible and put our full legal resources behind your recovery. Our dedicated approach has helped many clients receive the fair compensation they needed to rebuild their lives.

How Our Road Defects Lawyer Help Road Defect Accident Victims

How our road defects lawyer help road defect accident victims

When you hire Conboy Law, we start with a thorough investigation of your accident. Our team visits the crash site to document the road defect, takes photos, measures the hazard, and looks for skid marks or other evidence. We gather police reports, witness statements, and any records of previous complaints about that section of the road to build a strong foundation for your claim.

We handle all communication with government entities and their insurance companies, so you don’t have to. These parties often try to deny responsibility or make low settlement offers. Our lawyers know their tactics and won’t let them take advantage of you during this difficult time. We prepare strong demand packages that clearly show why you deserve full compensation.

Our firm has taken many road defect cases to trial when needed and won substantial verdicts for our clients. While we aim to settle cases efficiently, we prepare every file as if it will go to court. This approach makes the other side take your claim seriously. If a fair settlement can’t be reached, we have the courtroom skills to present your case effectively to a jury.

FAQs About Chicago Road Defect Accident Claims

Look for signs like sudden loss of control, unusual vehicle behavior, or damage to your car’s undercarriage or wheels. Take photos of any road problems if it is safe to do so. Contact us immediately. Our team can send investigators to check the area for defects that might have played a role.

Yes. Illinois follows “comparative negligence” rules. You can still get compensation if you’re less than 50% at fault. Your fault percentage will reduce your award. We work to minimize any blame placed on you.

We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win money for you. Our fee is a percentage of your settlement or verdict. Your free case review is without obligation.

Most cases settle within 6-12 months, but complex cases against government entities can take longer. We work to resolve your case as quickly as possible while still fighting for maximum compensation. We keep you updated throughout the process.

Photos of the defect, witness statements, police reports, and vehicle damage all help build your case. Our team also looks for prior complaints about the same road section and may bring in experts to show how the defect caused your crash.

Most cases settle without trial, but we prepare every case as if it will go to court. This thorough approach often leads to better settlements. If a fair offer isn’t made, we have the trial experience to fight for you before a judge and jury.

Contact a Chicago Road Defects Lawyer for a Free Consultation Today

Contact a Chicago road defects lawyer for a free consultation

Don’t face the aftermath of a road defect accident alone. Call Conboy Law today for your free consultation with our experienced injury lawyers. We’ll review your case, explain your rights, and show you how we can help you get the compensation you deserve. Remember, you pay nothing unless we win your case. The sooner you call, the sooner we can start fighting for you.

Joseph Conboy
Founding Attorney

Joseph M. Conboy, founder of Conboy Law, represents victims of catastrophic injuries and wrongful death, securing numerous multi-million-dollar results. Recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star (2019–2022), he is a member of the American Association for Justice and Illinois Trial Lawyers Association. Mr. Conboy earned his J.D. from DePaul University and a B.A. in Economics from the University of Colorado.

Thanks to this amazing law firm, I was able to successfully bring justice and get the help I needed. They really care a lot about their clients, they’re 100 percent fully involved in your case and will do the most to make sure you get the help you need. Thanks for everything!
Tiffany H.
I can't say enough about Joseph Conboy. He was a true asset during our personal injury claim and had such an amazing legal approach, which made me feel like his top priority from day one! I'm so grateful we were able to work together for this win/win outcome.
Jackson K.
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