The so-called “social contract” that is a bedrock principle underlying American life hinges much on the idea that reciprocal duties and corresponding behaviors between citizens and government entities promote necessary predictability and safety.
In other words, there’s a give-and-take mentality at work.
Take highway infrastructure, for example (concededly a singular example of the social contract, but, we believe, a valid one).
On the one hand, taxpayers duly forgo some cash from their wallets via payroll contributions that are earmarked toward transportation-related matters.
And then government officials apply those funds in a manner that makes motorized travel reasonably safe for all drivers across the state.
All things considered, that certainly seems to be a system that maximally promotes safety and is fair to all — when it works.
Unfortunately, and as we note on the Dangerous Roads page of our website at Vititoe Law Group, it doesn’t always work.
In fact, we point out on that page that many California drivers “are at risk for serious injuries” owing to the variable quality of state roads, ongoing construction, road debris that is not timely removed, pavement-related hazards (such as potholes and loose gravel), improperly maintained guardrails and additional road hazards.
The social contract is hardly being honored by government authorities in instances where adverse traffic outcomes are linked to hazardous roadway conditions wrought by indifference or negligence.
We advocate diligently on behalf of accident victims in Westlake Village, Oxnard and across the Los Angeles metropolitan region, striving to ensure that they are compensated in cases of third-party negligence to the fullest extent provided by law.
We welcome readers’ inquiries.
