Motorcyclists are well aware that even small road hazards can become major risks. One often overlooked danger is road paint and striping. Under certain conditions, painted lines can become slick and lead to serious motorcycle accidents. This can happen even when the rider is following all traffic laws and driving carefully. As a Fayetteville, NC motorcycle accident lawyer, we’ve seen how road surface conditions, including paint and markings, can lead to injuries and liability questions.
At Macrae & Whitley, LLP, we’ve handled personal injury cases in Fayetteville, Cumberland County, and throughout North Carolina for more than a century. Over the years, we’ve worked with many riders who were injured not because of driver error, but because the road itself posed a hidden danger.
Why Road Paint Can Be Dangerous
Most drivers don’t think twice about road paint, but for motorcyclists, it can present a real hazard. Paint used for traffic lines, crosswalks, arrows, and other markings may become extremely slick in wet or humid conditions. Even in dry weather, paint that’s applied too thick or without proper texture can reduce tire traction.
Motorcycles rely on direct tire contact with the road. Any loss of grip can lead to a sudden slide or even a crash, especially during turns or lane changes. Riders may not see the danger until it’s too late, particularly if the paint blends into the road or is worn and patchy. While cars have more tires to maintain traction, motorcyclists are at a disadvantage in this situation.
Factors That Can Increase The Risk
Certain conditions make painted road surfaces more dangerous. These include:
- Wet weather or high humidity, which can make paint surfaces more slippery than asphalt.
- Improperly maintained striping, such as older markings that have been repainted multiple times. These can become rough and cause problems.
- Lack of anti-skid additives, which are sometimes omitted to cut costs.
- Sharp curves or intersections, where riders are more likely to be leaning into a turn over painted areas.
We’ve seen clients injured in situations where these factors combined to create unsafe riding conditions. In many cases, they had no opportunity to react or avoid the hazard.
Who May Be Responsible
Determining who is legally responsible when road paint contributes to a crash depends on several factors. The city, county, or state agency responsible for maintaining the road may be involved. Contractors hired to apply the striping may also be liable if they used the wrong materials or failed to follow proper safety standards.
We’ve worked on cases where public records, maintenance logs, and contractor agreements helped us identify responsibility. In some cases, we’ve consulted with engineers to assess whether the road design or maintenance played a part in the accident. Multiple parties can be held accountable, and we are ready to make sure that everyone pays for your accident.
How We Approach These Claims
Every case starts with a detailed investigation. We gather photos of the accident scene, weather records, traffic reports, and maintenance history. In many instances, witness statements and first responder reports help confirm the condition of the road at the time of the crash.
James C. MacRae, Jr. has been practicing law with our firm since 1989, and our legal team draws from decades of experience with injury claims involving public road conditions. We know what to look for, and we know how to present that information clearly to support a client’s claim.
If you or someone you care about was injured after sliding on painted road markings while riding, call us. At Macrae & Whitley, LLP, we’re ready to review your case and help you move forward. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discuss your options.