NJ Manhole Accident Attorneys

Seeking Justice for Victims Injured in Manhole Cover Accidents in New Jersey

Manhole accidents in New Jersey are more common than you would think. They are unnoticeable until they are ill-fitting, damaged, or missing completely.  In the most severe cases, an underground explosion can send a manhole cover flying as far as 100 feet.  Snowplows, heavy rains, and poorly maintained roads can also lead to damage. Electrical companies frequently remove manhole covers to work underground and may carelessly replace the covers improperly.  When roads are repaved, sometimes it leaves a sunken area around the manhole that can cause an accident. 

Vehicles riding over a loose or missing manhole cover can lose control and have an accident that may involve other cars. Cyclists and pedestrians may not notice a defective manhole cover until it is too late, but the situation becomes even more dangerous when the manhole cover is missing. Cyclists, electric scooter riders, joggers, skaters, and pedestrians could all experience life-threatening injuries in these situations. If you’ve been injured in a manhole accident in New Jersey, in places like Titusville, Princeton, West Windsor, Trenton, Hamilton, Pemberton, Burlington, Edison, or South Brunswick, contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at Cohen & Riechelson today at (609) 528-2596. A member of our team is prepared to review your case and discuss your options for seeking compensation. Consultations are free.

Identifying Causes of Manhole Accidents

Unsafe Manholes Resulting from Poorly Maintained Roads

Poorly maintained roads are the leading cause of manhole accidents.  Weathered or rusted covers can lead to weak spots or breakage, especially due to the wide range of temperatures in the area.  Extremely low temperatures, ice, and snow can create brittle spots that weaken manhole covers.  Raised or sunken covers after roads are repaved are common and can affect a vehicle’s maneuverability when struck by a tire. What is worse is that when an accident is caused by a faulty manhole cover, it can have a chain reaction affecting the cars, bikes, and pedestrians in the area.

Manhole Explosions

There are more than 40,000 miles of cable running under the streets of New Jersey, some of which haven’t been replaced since the late 90s. In the summer, there can be manhole explosions that send manhole covers flying.  They can hit anyone on or near the road and cause multiple accidents from one incident. These accidents occur because of faulty underground wiring.   The corrosive salts used in the winter break down the insulation of the underground cables,  which heat up during summer scorches because everyone has their air conditioners set on high.  This causes the old or damaged wires with compromised insulation to burn, releasing methane, hydrogen, and carbon monoxide, causing an explosion. 

There are three categories of these events: 

• Smoking manholes
• Burning manholes
• Exploding manholes

Manhole Accidents Involving Construction Work

Construction work can also provoke manhole accidents.  Many construction companies are using the same techniques to remove and replace manhole covers that were developed 75 years ago.  Besides being dangerous to the workers, these techniques sometimes leave the manhole cover uneven or loose.  Improperly secured covers can break under the pressure of a vehicle or become completely dislodged.

It is the responsibility of the workers who remove a manhole to place signs and tape around the work area to signal pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers that there is a hazard and to take precautions.  A fall into a manhole by a pedestrian, scooter rider, or cyclist could result in life-threatening injuries.

A Legal Guide for Understanding Manhole Cover Responsibilities

Business owners and construction companies who remove manhole covers for maintenance of wiring and other structures are responsible for reporting damaged manholes to the NJDOT immediately upon discovery.  They are also responsible for accidents caused by faulty cover replacements or poor signage indicating that an open manhole is in the area.  Utility companies are required to repair and maintain the cables and boxes covering the switches, connections, and breakers to avoid an explosion or fire.  State and local government entities can be held responsible for defective, broken, loose, or missing manhole covers on sidewalks and roads. But these cases must be submitted within 30 to 90 days of the accident depending on which department is involved.

Your Rights and Recoverable Damages Following a Manhole Accident

Accidents involving manhole covers are serious and can leave you gravely injured.  Imagine walking on the sidewalk to get a latte at your favorite spot, and as you turn the corner, you fall into an unmarked open manhole in a drop of 20 feet onto concrete.  Or as you are riding your bicycle to work, enjoying the sunny morning, when you hit a raised manhole cover and are thrown forward onto the street.  You could be in your car, driving a friend to the airport, when you run over a loose manhole cover, sideswiping the car beside you as you attempt to regain control of your vehicle.  All of these scenarios have happened to real people who suffered serious injuries.

Those who are responsible should have to compensate for the damages caused by their negligence. If you are in an accident related to a manhole cover, you could receive a settlement for your lost wages while you recover.  Medical tests, diagnostic procedures, surgeries, medicines, physical therapy, and other medical costs must be paid by the entity responsible for your accident.  You require compensation for your pain and suffering as well. An accident such as the ones mentioned above could cause anxiety and PTSD.  You should be paid for any damaged property, such as your vehicle or bicycle.  If you were carrying a computer or cell phone and they were irreparably broken, you can request reimbursement for them as well.

Speak with a Dedicated New Jersey Manhole Accident Injury Lawyer about Your Options for Compensation

Any accident is frightening, but the damage and injuries caused by a manhole incident can be particularly devastating and may have lifelong consequences.  You deserve to be compensated for your injuries and property loss, along with the emotional and physical toll of your injuries. At Cohen & Riechelson, our focus is on maximizing your compensation by negotiating with the insurance company or entity responsible for your suffering.

Our personal injury attorneys are meticulous investigators and will gather crucial evidence for your case.  We will interview witnesses and use experts to reconstruct your accident. With over 50 years of experience assisting injured victims throughout New Jersey, we are always ready to litigate your case if necessary. There is a statute of limitations to the responsible parties that you intend to file a personal injury lawsuit after a manhole accident, so time is of the essence.

Contact us today to learn how our firm can help hold those responsible for your manhole accident injuries accountable.  Call (609) 528-2596 for a free consultation.