Public Negligence Claim for Roads in Ramat Gan

What is Public Negligence on Roads?

Public negligence on roads is a breach of the duty of care by the local authority (Ramat Gan Municipality, in this case) to maintain road safety and repairs. When a road is in clear disrepair, has potholes, infrastructure damage, faulty lighting, missing safe markings, or an unremoved obstacle — and this caused an accident and bodily injuries — the authority may bear full or partial legal liability.

In Israel, local authorities are legally required to maintain public roads to a standard level of safety. Failure to fulfill this obligation may lead to a negligence claim against the authority, and the injured party may recover compensation for bodily injuries, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and medical expenses.

When Are You Entitled to Sue the Authority for Public Negligence?

A claim for public negligence on roads requires proof of several elements:

• Existence of a legal duty: The local authority is legally obligated to maintain public roads and perform repairs within a reasonable timeframe.
• Breach of duty: The road had a significant safety defect (pothole, bump, damage, faulty lighting, missing markings) that the authority knew or should have known about.
• Causal connection: The road defect was the direct or substantial cause of the accident and your damages.
• Actual damages: Bodily injuries, medical expenses, loss of income, pain and suffering, or loss of earning capacity.

If all these elements are present, you have a legal basis for filing a claim against Ramat Gan Municipality or the public entity responsible for the road.

Types of Road Defects Constituting Public Negligence

Local authorities are responsible for comprehensive road maintenance. Various defects may form the basis for a claim:

• Potholes and bumps: Deep holes or bumps in the road surface that may cause falls, joint injuries, shock absorption, or loss of vehicle control.
• Significant cracks and breaks: Large fractures or cracks that create obstacles or drop-offs in the driving surface.
• Faulty safety lighting: Street lighting that is not functioning or is defective, particularly at intersections, curves, and road exits.
• Missing or misleading road markings: Faded white lines, unclear intersection markings, or incorrect markings causing collisions.
• Unremoved obstacles: Debris, construction materials, fallen trees, or barriers not properly marked.
• Poor drainage: Pools of water, muddy areas, or flooding creating hazards for skidding or getting stuck.
• Unguarded walls or steps: Sharp road edges, walls, or steps that are not properly guarded or marked.

Any such defect, if significant and known or should have been known to the authority, may constitute grounds for a successful claim.

Process of Filing a Claim Against the Municipality for Public Negligence

A claim for public negligence on roads follows several distinct stages:

Stage 1: Evidence Collection and Documentation

In the first stage, our office will collect detailed documentation of the road defect: photographs, video, police report (if filed), medical documentation of injuries, witness statements, and any relevant documents. It is important to also obtain information about prior repair requests submitted to the municipality (if any) and safety reports.

Stage 2: Expert Opinion

In public negligence claims, an expert opinion from an engineering or road safety expert is often required to confirm that the defect was significant and posed a safety risk. The expert will examine the road conditions at the time of the accident and confirm that the municipality breached its obligations.

Stage 3: Contacting the Municipality's Insurance

Local municipalities typically have public liability insurance. Our office will contact the insurance company of Ramat Gan Municipality with a formal claim, complete documentation, and a demand for compensation.

Stage 4: Negotiation or Filing a Lawsuit

If the insurance company agrees to settle, we can reach an agreement. If not, we will file a formal lawsuit with the District Court. In the claim, we will specify all damages, evidence, and our demand for full compensation.

Stage 5: Court Proceedings

In court proceedings, we will present evidence, examine witnesses, cross-examine municipality representatives, and use expert opinions. The court will determine whether the municipality is liable and to what extent, and will determine the compensation amount based on your damages.

Comparative Table: Public Negligence Scenarios on Roads

Below is a table presenting various road defect scenarios and the prospects of claims:

Note: Claim prospects depend on specific evidence, witness testimony, and expert opinions. Each case is examined individually on its merits.

Why Choose Mandelboim, Gor, Witzman-Gor & Co. for Public Negligence Claims?

Mandelboim, Gor, Witzman-Gor & Co. specializes in representing claimants in tort litigation since 2008. We are based in Ramat Gan and have extensive experience in public negligence claims on roads:

• Over 18 Years of Experience: Our firm was established in 2008 by Attorney Karen Mandelboim, and since then we have represented claimants in complex tort claims, including public negligence cases.
• Representing Claimants Only: Unlike firms that represent both claimants and defendants, we represent claimants only. This means we are entirely focused on achieving the highest compensation for you, without any conflict of interest.
• Personal and Dedicated Service: We handle every case with gentleness and personal attention. You are not a file number — you are a person who has been injured and needs help.
• First Consultation at No Cost: We offer a free initial consultation where we can evaluate your case, explain your rights, and answer any questions you may have.
• Full Transparency: We explain all stages of the proceedings, the prospects of success, the costs, and everything you need to know to make an informed decision.

If you were injured in a road accident in Ramat Gan due to public negligence, you are entitled to compensation. Mandelboim, Gor, Witzman-Gor & Co. is here to help you obtain the full compensation you deserve.