Dangerous Roads in Rochester Are Causing Devastating Crashes

Are You a Victim?

You’re just trying to get where you need to go. Maybe you’re commuting to work, running errands, or heading to meet friends. But what if the roads themselves are the biggest threat? 

Some streets and intersections in Rochester have turned into accident hotspots, and Rochester injury lawyers have seen far too many cases of preventable accidents, leaving too many people injured and overwhelmed. 

A crash like this doesn’t just shake you up—it can change your life in an instant. The medical bills pile up, work becomes impossible, and stress? It’s unbearable. The legal team at Horn Wright, LLP, is here to fight for you and hold the right people accountable.

If you need car accident legal representation, our trusted law firm in Rochester is ready to stand by your side.

The City Knew the Roads Were Dangerous—Can You Hold Them Responsible?

When a road is poorly designed or left in bad shape, accidents are bound to happen. And if you’ve been in a crash because of it, you’re probably wondering—can you hold the city responsible? The short answer? Yes, but it’s complicated.

Rochester, like any city, is legally required to maintain its roads. But they don’t always do their job. The law says that before you can sue, the city must have had “prior written notice” of the hazard—meaning someone had to report the issue, and the city failed to fix it in time. 

If they ignored a problem they knew about, they can be held liable. But you’ve got just 90 days to file a notice of claim against the city. Miss that deadline, and your case could be over before it even starts. 

Winning a Road Defect Case: Here’s What You’ve Gotta Prove

If you’re thinking about legal action, you need solid proof. Here’s what matters most:

• The road was dangerous. Maybe it had a giant pothole, a broken traffic light, or missing signs—something that made it unsafe.
• The city knew (or should’ve known) about it. If others had complained or the issue had been there for months, they should’ve fixed it. 
• They didn’t fix it in time. Neglect isn’t an excuse. If they had time to repair it and didn’t, that’s negligence.
• The hazard caused your crash. You’ll need to connect the dots—your injuries wouldn’t have happened if the road had been safe.

Strong evidence is key. Take photos of the road condition, gather witness statements, keep maintenance records—all of this helps build your case. A good personal injury law firm can help you gather and present this the right way.

How the City Tries to Dodge Responsibility (And What You Can Do About It)

Cities don’t like to admit fault. When you bring a claim, expect pushback. Here are their go-to excuses:

• “We never got a complaint.” They’ll claim they had no clue the road was dangerous. That’s why prior reports matter.
• “We didn’t have enough time.” Even if they knew, they might argue they weren’t given a fair chance to fix it.
• “Government immunity.” Sometimes, cities try to hide behind legal protections to avoid paying damages.

Don’t let them off the hook. If the city’s negligence puts you in harm’s way, you have every right to fight back.

When the Road Itself Is the Problem—Who’s Responsible?

Not every crash is caused by reckless drivers. Sometimes, it’s the road itself that’s the real danger. So, who’s on the hook when bad infrastructure causes an accident?

• The city or state. They’re supposed to maintain safe roads, and when they don’t, people get hurt.
• Construction companies. Shoddy roadwork? Faulty materials? If a private contractor did a bad job, they could be liable.
• Maintenance crews. If a company was hired to fix a problem but left things worse, they may be responsible.

Finding out who’s to blame takes serious investigation, so it's crucial to partner with an experienced law firm. Whether it’s a road defect, a traffic light malfunction, or even slip and fall injury claims linked to hazardous sidewalks, reliable legal help can make all the difference.

Hit With Medical Bills? Here’s the Compensation You Deserve

A crash like this can wreck your finances. But if the city’s negligence caused your injuries, they should foot the bill. You could be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical costs. ER visits, surgeries, physical therapy—you shouldn’t have to pay for someone else’s mistake.
• Lost wages. If you can’t work, you shouldn’t be left without income.
• Pain and suffering. It’s not just about money. Your pain, stress, and trauma deserve recognition.
• Vehicle damage. Car repairs—or even a total loss—can cost thousands. That shouldn’t come out of your pocket.

Every case is different, but one thing’s clear: you shouldn’t settle for less than what you’re owed. If your accident resulted in serious injuries, consulting a medical malpractice attorney may also be necessary to explore all possible claims.

The Faulty Traffic Light That Ruined Your Life—How to Prove It in Court

Traffic signals are supposed to keep you safe. But when they fail, crashes happen. If you were injured because of a bad traffic light, here’s how to prove it:

• Show the malfunction. Video evidence or eyewitnesses can confirm the signal wasn’t working right.
• Check maintenance records. Was it overdue for repairs? Had others reported issues before?
• Bring in the experts. Traffic engineers can analyze the light’s failure and how it contributed to your crash.

Faulty signals put lives at risk. If a broken light caused your accident, you deserve justice.

Accident Reconstruction: How Experts Can Prove Your Case

Sometimes, the best way to prove what happened is to recreate it. That’s where accident reconstruction specialists come in. They can:

• Prove how the road defect caused your crash.
• Challenge the city’s excuses.
• Strengthen your claim for compensation.

Their analysis can be the game-changer that wins your case.

Suing the City Feels Impossible—But You Can Win with Horn Wright, LLP

Going up against the government might feel like a lost cause, but it’s not. With the right strategy, strong evidence, and an aggressive legal team, you can hold them accountable. 

Whether you need help with a car accident case, workers' compensation legal help, or another injury claim, legal support is available. 

Our personal injury attorneys at Horn Wright, LLP, know how to take on tough cases like yours. So if you’re ready to take action, contact our office to request your free, confidential consultation. 

The fight for justice starts now. One of the best law firms in America is in your corner.