Missing road sign are a hazard to traveling public. We recently obtained a significant financial recovery for a motorcycle rider who crashed because of a missing road sign.
When Missing Road Signs Cause Serious Motorcycle Accidents in Missouri
Road signs save lives. Every day, drivers throughout St. Louis, Jefferson County, Franklin County, Lincoln County, and other Missouri counties rely on warning signs to navigate safely—whether it’s a stop sign, yield sign, or critical warnings about changing road conditions. But what happens when these essential traffic safety signs go missing?
Our Missouri personal injury law firm recently secured a significant settlement for a motorcyclist who suffered devastating injuries when the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) failed to replace a missing “Pavement Ends” warning sign in Lincoln County.
The Dangerous Reality of Missing Highway Signs – A Preventable Motorcycle Crash in Rural Missouri
On a clear April day, our client was riding his motorcycle on what appeared to be a normal paved highway in rural Lincoln County. Without warning—and without any cautionary signage—the paved road suddenly transitioned to loose gravel maintained by the local road district.
The abrupt change from pavement to gravel caused our client to lose control of his motorcycle, resulting in :
- Head and brain Injuries
- Displaced collarbone fracture requiring surgery
- Rib fractures and partially collapsed lung
Our client’s injuries required immediate hospitalization and emergency surgery including:
- Open reduction internal fixation surgery for the broken collarbone
- Treatment for traumatic intraparenchymal hematoma
- Monitoring for brain bleeding, swelling, and post-concussion syndrome
MoDOT’s Legal Responsibility for Road Sign Maintenance
Missouri Highway Department Knew or Should Have Known the Sign Was Missing
Our investigation revealed that MoDOT (Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission) was aware of the dangerous condition for months before the accident:
A Timeline of Negligence:
- 3 months before crash: Senior Traffic Studies Engineer noted missing sign in a computer log
- Weeks before crash: A maintenance supervisor emailed another worker about needing a replacement sign
- 133 days total: The length of time MoDOT left the dangerous condition unaddressed
Missouri Traffic Control Requirements
MODOT should have followed various guidelines, specifically:
- MUTCD Section 2C.30 (Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices)
- EPG Section 903.6.24 (Engineering Policy Guide)
These guidelines required “PAVEMENT ENDS” warning signs where paved surfaces transition to gravel or dirt roads. MoDOT had previously installed the required signage but failed to replace it when it went missing.
Legal Standards for Missouri Road Sign Accident Claims
Sovereign Immunity Exception for Dangerous Road Conditions
The Sovereign Immunity defense did not apply because of Missouri law, including The Missouri Supreme Court case Hensley v. Jackson County which provides that government entities can be held liable for injuries resulting from dangerous road conditions, including the failure to maintain proper signage.
Key Legal Elements to Defeat a Sovereign Immunity Defense:
- Government entity had notice of the dangerous condition
- The entity had sufficient time and opportunity to address the hazard
- Failure to act created unreasonable risk to public safety
Successful Settlement Against MoDOT, Elsberry Road District and Conservation Commission
While we were fully prepared for trial, the defendants ultimately agreed to provide fair compensation for our client’s injuries. The settlement allows our client to maintain his quality of life despite the permanent changes caused by their negligence.
Why Choose Our Missouri Personal Injury Law Firm
Experienced Highway Accident Attorneys
Our legal team has extensive experience handling complex cases against government entities, including:
- MoDOT liability claims
- Municipal road maintenance failures
- Missing or defective traffic control device cases
- Motorcycle accident claims
Proven Results in Government Liability Cases
We understand the unique challenges of pursuing claims against government entities and have successfully navigated Missouri’s sovereign immunity laws to secure justice for our clients.
Common Types of Road Sign Accidents in Missouri
Road sign failures can cause various types of accidents:
- Missing stop signs leading to intersection crashes
- Absent warning signs for construction zones
- Defective yield signs causing right-of-way accidents
- Missing curve warnings on dangerous roadways
Steps to Take After a Road Sign-Related Accident
If you’ve been injured due to a missing or defective road sign:
- Seek immediate medical attention
- Document the accident scene and missing signage
- Report the incident to local authorities
- Preserve evidence including photos and witness statements
- Contact an experienced personal injury attorney immediately
Frequently Asked Questions About Missing Road Sign Claims
Q: Can I sue the government for a missing road sign accident? A: Yes, under Missouri’s dangerous condition exception to sovereign immunity, government entities can be held liable for injuries caused by missing or defective road signs.
Q: How long do I have to file a claim? A: Depending on the location of the incident, Missouri has specific notice requirements and deadlines for claims against government and municipal entities. Contact an attorney immediately to protect your rights.
Q: What compensation is available? A: Damages may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, future medical care, and disability-related costs.
Contact Our Missouri Road Sign Accident Lawyers
If you or a loved one has been injured due to a missing road sign, defective traffic control device, or dangerous road condition in Missouri, our experienced personal injury attorneys are here to help.