Let Our Family Help Your Family
Contact Us for a Free ConsultationWhy Intersections can be Dangerous.
Driver negligence in the most important factor in most intersection collisions. A Driver my underestimate the time needed to cross the intersection on a green light and then, because of excessive speed, decide to shoot the light.
Red-light running is a serious safety issue across the nation. Speed is a factor because the traffic control device may change suddenly. The time when a light changes from green to yellow is especially dangerous.
If a driver is inattentive, or travelling at an unsafe speed for conditions, he will be unable to stop in time.
In addition to human error in operating the vehicle, there may also be serious design defects or maintenance problems which contribute to the accident and for which a government entity may be fully or partially responsible.
Among the many defects we have found over the years are:
- Improperly marked lanes
- Shoulders Missing or Dropping off precipitously
- Inadequate or confusing signs
- Obstructed signs
- Sun glare or visibility defects
- Defects in Traffic Signal lights
- Poorly maintained roads
- Improper lane Width
- Lack of median barrier
- Failure to comply with state or federal regulations
- Inadequate lighting (especially at rural intersections).
- Potholes
- Water pooling
- Drop offs in the road
- Improper Inclines or Declines
- Fallen Trees
- Fixed object hazards such as guardrails
The list of potential intersection design and maintenance issues is extensive and the time to investigate these problems is limited. Intersection safety is a local, state and national priority.
By law, in California, A Claim MUST be filed against the government entity responsible for a defect in the road within 180 days of the accident.
Further deadlines for then filing a lawsuit, if necessary, also apply.
If you or your family has suffered a serious accident in an intersection, its critical to contact an experienced road defect attorney without delay. I've written an article on how to select an experienced personal injury lawyer.
Call us today at 916.921.6400 if we can help you investigate a hazardous intersection collision.