{"id":1861,"date":"2026-10-22T03:52:41","date_gmt":"2026-10-22T03:52:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tmaddenlaw.com\/guides\/car-accident-lawyer-georgia\/road-defect-car-accident-lawyer-clayton-county\/"},"modified":"2026-11-04T01:42:05","modified_gmt":"2026-11-04T01:42:05","slug":"road-defect-car-accident-lawyer-clayton-county","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.tmaddenlaw.com\/guides\/car-accident-lawyer-georgia\/road-defect-car-accident-lawyer-clayton-county\/","title":{"rendered":"Clayton County Car Accident Road Defect Lawyer"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover alignfull is-dark chg-hero\" style=\"min-height:460px;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim-70 has-background-dim wp-block-cover__gradient-background has-background-gradient\" style=\"background:linear-gradient(90deg,rgba(32,36,46,1) 0%,rgba(32,36,46,1) 55%,rgba(32,36,46,0.7) 100%)\"><\/span><img class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-1860\" alt=\"A crash investigator measures skid marks on a quiet suburban road in daylight, holding a folded traffic diagram.\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tmaddenlaw.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/a-crash-investigator-measures-skid-marks-on-a-quiet-suburban-photo-34.jpg\" width=\"1376\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.tmaddenlaw.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/a-crash-investigator-measures-skid-marks-on-a-quiet-suburban-photo-34-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.tmaddenlaw.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/a-crash-investigator-measures-skid-marks-on-a-quiet-suburban-photo-34-300x167.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.tmaddenlaw.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/a-crash-investigator-measures-skid-marks-on-a-quiet-suburban-photo-34-768x429.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.tmaddenlaw.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/a-crash-investigator-measures-skid-marks-on-a-quiet-suburban-photo-34-1024x572.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.tmaddenlaw.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/a-crash-investigator-measures-skid-marks-on-a-quiet-suburban-photo-34.jpg 1376w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 825px) 825px, 100vw\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\"\/><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-cover-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"chg-eyebrow has-base-color has-text-color wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-shadow:0 1px 3px rgba(0,0,0,0.6),0 0 18px rgba(0,0,0,0.35)\">Clayton County \u00b7 Road Defect Accident Claims<\/p><h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-base-color has-text-color\" style=\"text-shadow:0 1px 3px rgba(0,0,0,0.6),0 0 18px rgba(0,0,0,0.35)\">Hurt in a Crash Caused by a Pothole or Road Defect?<\/h1><p class=\"has-base-color has-text-color wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:clamp(0.875rem, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 0.625), 1.25rem);text-shadow:0 1px 3px rgba(0,0,0,0.6),0 0 18px rgba(0,0,0,0.35)\">T. Madden &amp; Associates, P.C. has represented injured people in Georgia since 1999. Our Jonesboro team reviews road defect crashes in Clayton County and fights for the compensation you need to recover.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+17707569311\">Start Your Free Case Evaluation<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tmaddenlaw.com\/contact\/\">Start Your Free Case Evaluation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-base-color has-primary-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4d466591 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--primary,#20242e);color:var(--wp--preset--color--base,#ffffff);padding-top:3rem;padding-bottom:3rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-base-color has-text-color\">Serving Georgia Since 1999<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-f56f613f wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--clock chg-stat-ico\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center chg-stat has-base-color has-text-color\">1999<\/h3><p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">Year the firm was founded<\/p><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--location chg-stat-ico\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center chg-stat has-base-color has-text-color\">5<\/h3><p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">Offices, including Jonesboro in Clayton County<\/p><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--shield chg-stat-ico\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center chg-stat has-base-color has-text-color\">Free<\/h3><p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">First consultation, confidential, no obligation<\/p><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--phone chg-stat-ico\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center chg-stat has-base-color has-text-color\">24\/7<\/h3><p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">Phone line available to reach our team<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#6b7280;margin-bottom:1.5rem\">By Terance Madden \u00b7 Published October 21, 2026<\/p>\n\n<article lang=\"en\">\n\n\n<p>Hurt in a crash that a road defect helped cause in Clayton County? Georgia sets a short deadline for claims against a county, and it is far shorter than the deadline for most injury lawsuits. This page explains what a car accident road defect lawyer looks at, why the deadline matters, and what to do next.<\/p>\n<h2>What a Road Defect Car Accident Claim Is and Who It Covers<\/h2>\n<p>A road defect car accident claim says that a condition on the road, not only another driver, helped cause the crash. Common examples include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Potholes and washouts that make a vehicle lose control<\/li>\n<li>Missing, blocked or hard-to-see road signs<\/li>\n<li>Faded lane markings<\/li>\n<li>Road designs that are unsafe for the traffic they carry<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Drivers, passengers, motorcyclists and pedestrians can all be hurt in these crashes. Georgia law lets an injured person recover for breach of a legal duty that causes damage (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.legis.ga.gov\/api\/document\/docs\/default-source\/joint-features-document-library\/t51-(v39)-2017-pdf.pdf\">O.C.G.A. \u00a7 51-1-6<\/a>). Whether a road condition broke a legal duty depends on the facts of each crash.<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"cta-dose-mid wp-block-group has-base-color has-accent-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-32197852 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--accent,#20242e);color:var(--wp--preset--color--base,#ffffff);border-radius:8px;padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem;border-left:6px solid var(--wp--preset--color--cta,currentColor);box-shadow:0 2px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.18)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-base-color has-text-color\">Not sure what your next step is?<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Talk it through with our team &#8212; the first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+17707569311\">Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tmaddenlaw.com\/contact\/\">Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large has-custom-border\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tmaddenlaw.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/a-damaged-car-rests-against-a-lamp-post-on-a-london-street-a-photo.jpg\" alt=\"A damaged car that crashed into a lamp post on a London street at twilight.\" style=\"border-radius:8px;width:100%;aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2>The 12-Month Deadline for Claims Against a County<\/h2>\n<p>A claim against a county must be presented within 12 months after it accrues or becomes payable, but minors or other persons laboring under disabilities shall be allowed 12 months after the removal of the disability to present their claims (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.legis.ga.gov\/api\/document\/docs\/default-source\/joint-features-document-library\/t35-t36-ch1-59-(v27)-2025-pdf.pdf\">O.C.G.A. \u00a7 36-11-1<\/a>). If it is not, the claim is barred (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.legis.ga.gov\/api\/document\/docs\/default-source\/joint-features-document-library\/t35-t36-ch1-59-(v27)-2025-pdf.pdf\">O.C.G.A. \u00a7 36-11-1<\/a>).<\/p>\n<p>Minors and other people under a legal disability get 12 months after the disability is removed to present their claims. That exception is narrow, so don&#8217;t count on it.<\/p>\n<p>Waiting can cost you the claim, so act early.<\/p>\n<p>For comparison, Georgia generally requires injury lawsuits to be brought within two years after the right of action accrues (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.legis.ga.gov\/api\/document\/docs\/default-source\/joint-features-document-library\/t9-ch1-10-(v6)-2023-pdf.pdf\">O.C.G.A. \u00a7 9-3-33<\/a>). The county deadline is much shorter.<\/p>\n<h2>How a Claim Against a County Differs From a Claim Against a Driver<\/h2>\n<p>A claim against a county goes to a government body and follows the 12-month presentment rule. Claims against a county can involve procedures that differ from those for private parties, so the details of any particular claim matter. A claim against a driver follows the two-year injury deadline.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Against a driver:<\/strong> the claim usually goes to the driver and the driver&#8217;s insurer.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Against a county:<\/strong> the claim goes to the county, and its own presentment rules apply.<\/li>\n<li><strong>In one crash:<\/strong> more than one party may share fault. Georgia requires the trier of fact to consider the fault of all persons or entities who contributed to the alleged injury or damages, regardless of whether they were, or could have been, named as a party (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.legis.ga.gov\/api\/document\/docs\/default-source\/joint-features-document-library\/t51-(v39)-pdf.pdf\">O.C.G.A. \u00a7 51-12-33(c)<\/a>) (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.gasupreme.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/s19g1612.pdf\">Quynn v. Hulsey<\/a>).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Early evidence matters. Photos of the defect, the sign or the road that day are hard to recreate later. Keep the crash report, your medical records and the names of any witnesses. A car accident road defect lawyer in Clayton County will want these details early.<\/p>\n<h2>What a Road Defect Claim Can Cover<\/h2>\n<p>Injured people often have questions about which losses may be part of a claim, and the answer depends on the facts of each case. What is recoverable depends on the facts of your case.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Medical bills:<\/strong> Georgia limits medical expense damages to the reasonable value of medically necessary care, treatment, or services (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.legis.ga.gov\/api\/document\/docs\/default-source\/joint-features-document-library\/t51-(v39)-pdf.pdf\">O.C.G.A. \u00a7 51-12-1.1<\/a>).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Lost income:<\/strong> Actual losses such as bills and lost wages must be proved (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.legis.ga.gov\/api\/document\/docs\/default-source\/joint-features-document-library\/t51-(v39)-2017-pdf.pdf\">O.C.G.A. \u00a7 51-12-2<\/a>).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Pain and suffering:<\/strong> The harm to your health, daily life and feelings is part of the claim.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Vehicle and property losses:<\/strong> Damage to your car and other property is part of many crash claims.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Wrongful death:<\/strong> When a crash causes a death, a surviving spouse, or if none, the children may recover the full value of the decedent&#8217;s life, as shown by the evidence (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.legis.ga.gov\/api\/document\/docs\/default-source\/joint-features-document-library\/t51-(v39)-pdf.pdf\">O.C.G.A. \u00a7 51-4-2<\/a>).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>How the Process Works, Step by Step<\/h2>\n<p>The process starts with a free first consultation. It then moves through investigation, presenting the claim, and a lawsuit only if needed.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Free first consultation.<\/strong> We review your crash, your injuries and the deadlines. The consultation is confidential and has no obligation to continue.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Investigation.<\/strong> We look at the road condition, sign placement, maintenance records and crash reports.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Claim presented.<\/strong> We present the claim within the statutory period.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Negotiation.<\/strong> We discuss resolution with the parties involved.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Lawsuit if needed.<\/strong> If the claim does not resolve, a lawsuit may be filed in the appropriate court.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Resolution.<\/strong> We explain each stage and any recovery before anything is final.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Timelines vary by case. We work on a no fee unless we win basis, but you may still be responsible for court costs and case expenses.<\/p>\n<h2>Why Clients Work With T. Madden &amp; Associates, P.C.<\/h2>\n<p>T. Madden &amp; Associates, P.C. has practiced personal injury law in Georgia since 1999. Attorney Terance Madden leads the firm.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Attorneys Terance Madden and Shenia Madden, supported by assistants and office staff.<\/li>\n<li>Offices in Jonesboro (Clayton County), Atlanta, Decatur, Macon and Augusta.<\/li>\n<li>Practice areas include car and truck wrecks, motorcycle and e-bike crashes, slip and falls, medical malpractice, nursing home abuse, negligent security and wrongful death.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Terance Madden is the responsible lawyer for this page.<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"cta-dose-mid wp-block-group has-base-color has-accent-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-32197852 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--accent,#20242e);color:var(--wp--preset--color--base,#ffffff);border-radius:8px;padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem;border-left:6px solid var(--wp--preset--color--cta,currentColor);box-shadow:0 2px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.18)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-base-color has-text-color\">Not sure what your next step is?<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Talk it through with our team &#8212; the first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+17707569311\">Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tmaddenlaw.com\/contact\/\">Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Common Questions About Road Defect Crash Claims<\/h2>\n<p>A county claim may be possible, but it has its own 12-month rule. Here are the questions people ask most often.<\/p><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Can I sue the county directly for a pothole?<\/summary><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Claims against counties must be presented within 12 months, so that deadline applies first.<\/p><p>The specific facts of your crash matter here.<\/p>\n<p>You cannot recover if you are 50 percent or more responsible (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.legis.ga.gov\/api\/document\/docs\/default-source\/joint-features-document-library\/t51-(v39)-pdf.pdf\">O.C.G.A. \u00a7 51-12-33<\/a>) (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.gasupreme.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/s19g1612.pdf\">Quynn v. Hulsey<\/a>).<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Do I need to pay anything upfront?<\/summary><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The first consultation is free, confidential and has no obligation to continue. Fee questions are part of that conversation.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>How long does a claim take?<\/summary><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Timelines vary by case and by how the county and other parties respond.<\/p><\/details>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large has-custom-border\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tmaddenlaw.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/aerial-drone-view-of-dark-skid-marks-curving-across-a-rural-photo.jpg\" alt=\"Aerial view of curving skid marks on a textured rural road in Welch, Minnesota\" style=\"border-radius:8px;width:100%;aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2>Talk With Our Team Before the Notice Deadline<\/h2>\n<p>If a pothole, washout or missing sign on a county road may have played a part in your crash, the 12-month clock may already be running. Reach out through our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tmaddenlaw.com\/contact\/\">contact page<\/a> to start a free case evaluation or schedule a free consultation. You can call us at any hour.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>ADA Standards for Accessible Design<\/strong> covers building features like stairs, ramps and floor surfaces, not public road design or potholes.<\/li>\n<li><strong>49 CFR Part 395<\/strong> covers commercial truck hours of service, which this article does not discuss.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Georgia nursing home rules<\/strong> and <strong>CMS nursing home certification<\/strong> are unrelated to this article.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/article>\n<footer class=\"disclaimer\"><em>The information on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Please consult a licensed Georgia attorney regarding your specific legal situation. T. Madden &amp; Associates, P.C., 114 S. Main St., Jonesboro, GA 30236, (770) 978-6711.<\/em><\/footer>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-583d630a wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:3rem;padding-bottom:3rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Why Injured People Call T. Madden &amp; Associates<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-f56f613f wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--users\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Attorneys Who Handle Injury Claims<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Terance Madden and Shenia Madden lead a firm that focuses on people hurt in car, truck and motorcycle crashes, falls, and other injuries.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--document\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Clear Answers on Fees<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We work on a no fees unless there is a recovery basis. You may still be responsible for court costs and case expenses, and we explain these before you decide.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--chat\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A Free, Confidential First Talk<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your first consultation is free, confidential and carries no obligation to continue. Fee questions are part of that conversation.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--location\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Local Offices Across Georgia<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With offices in Jonesboro, Atlanta, Decatur, Macon and Augusta, our team serves clients in Clayton County and throughout the state.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-color has-accent-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-32197852 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--accent,#20242e);color:var(--wp--preset--color--base,#ffffff);border-radius:8px;padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem;border-left:6px solid var(--wp--preset--color--cta,currentColor);box-shadow:0 2px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.18)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-base-color has-text-color\">Save Evidence Early<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Photos of the defect, the surrounding area, your vehicle damage and your injuries can be valuable. Keep any medical records and written notes about the crash while they are fresh. Call us to talk through what to preserve.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+17707569311\">Call Us Today<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tmaddenlaw.com\/contact\/\">Call Us Today<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-surface-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-583d630a wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:3rem;padding-bottom:3rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Steps to Take After a Road Defect Crash<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-f56f613f wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Get Safe and Get Care<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Move to a safe spot if you can and see a doctor, even if your injuries seem minor. Some injuries appear hours or days later.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Document the Scene<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Take photos of the pothole, crack, debris or missing signage, along with the road, lighting and weather conditions.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Keep Your Records<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Save the police or crash report, repair estimates, bills, pay stubs and any messages about the incident.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Call Our Team<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Madden &amp; Associates for a free, confidential consultation. We can explain your options and the steps that follow.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-base-color has-secondary-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4d466591 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--secondary,#20242e);color:var(--wp--preset--color--base,#ffffff);padding-top:3rem;padding-bottom:3rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-base-color has-text-color\">Talk With Our Clayton County Team for Free<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-0aa01211 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+17707569311\">Schedule a Free Consultation<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tmaddenlaw.com\/contact\/\">Schedule a Free Consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Related practice areas<\/h2><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Car Accident Lawyer in Georgia: What to Do After a Crash and How a Claim Works<\/li><\/ul>\n<!-- chg:section-siblings -->\n<nav aria-label=\"More in this section\">\n<h2>More in this section<\/h2>\n<ul><li><a href=\"\/guides\/car-accident-lawyer-georgia\/rollover-car-accident-lawyer-clayton-county\/\">Rollover Car Accident Lawyer in Clayton County, GA<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/guides\/car-accident-lawyer-georgia\/should-i-take-photos-after-a-car-accident\/\">Should I take photos after a car accident?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/guides\/car-accident-lawyer-georgia\/sideswipe-lane-change-accident-lawyer-clayton-county\/\">Sideswipe and Lane-Change Crash Lawyer in Clayton County, Georgia<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/guides\/car-accident-lawyer-georgia\/social-media-after-car-accident-georgia\/\">Should You Post on Social Media After a Car Accident in Georgia?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/guides\/car-accident-lawyer-georgia\/spinal-injury-car-accident-lawyer-clayton-county\/\">Car Accident Lawyer for Spinal and Back Injuries in Clayton County<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n<\/nav>\n<!-- \/chg:section-siblings -->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Hurt in a crash caused by a pothole or missing sign on a Clayton County road? Learn Georgia&#8217;s 12-month county claim deadline and get a free consultation.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":29,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"chg_review":"","chg_sendback":"","chg_canonical":"","chg_lang":"","chg_hreflang":"","chg_jsonld":"[{\"@id\": \"https:\/\/www.tmaddenlaw.com\/clayton-county-car-accident-road-defect-lawyer\/#service\", \"name\": \"Car Accident Road Defect Claims in Clayton County, Georgia\", \"@type\": [\"Service\", \"FAQPage\"], \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\", \"audience\": {\"@type\": \"PeopleAudience\", \"audienceType\": \"Drivers, passengers, motorcyclists, pedestrians, and families injured in road defect crashes in Clayton County and metro Atlanta\"}, \"provider\": {\"@type\": \"Organization\", \"@id\": \"https:\/\/www.tmaddenlaw.com\/guides\/#organization\", \"name\": \"T. 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Fee questions are part of that conversation.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"How long does a claim take?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Timelines vary by case and by how the county and other parties respond.\"}}]}, {\"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\", \"@type\": \"BreadcrumbList\", \"itemListElement\": [{\"@type\": \"ListItem\", \"position\": 1, \"name\": \"Home\", \"item\": \"https:\/\/www.tmaddenlaw.com\/guides\/\"}, {\"@type\": \"ListItem\", \"position\": 2, \"name\": \"Car Accident Lawyer Georgia\", \"item\": \"https:\/\/www.tmaddenlaw.com\/guides\/car-accident-lawyer-georgia\/\"}, {\"@type\": \"ListItem\", \"position\": 3, \"name\": \"Clayton County Car Accident Road Defect Lawyer\", \"item\": \"https:\/\/www.tmaddenlaw.com\/guides\/car-accident-lawyer-georgia\/road-defect-car-accident-lawyer-clayton-county\/\"}]}]","chg_meta_description":"Hurt in a crash caused by a pothole or missing sign on a Clayton County road? Learn Georgia's 12-month county claim deadline and get a free consultation.","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1861","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tmaddenlaw.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1861","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tmaddenlaw.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tmaddenlaw.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tmaddenlaw.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tmaddenlaw.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1861"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.tmaddenlaw.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1861\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5285,"href":"https:\/\/www.tmaddenlaw.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1861\/revisions\/5285"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tmaddenlaw.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/29"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tmaddenlaw.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1861"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}