Tacoma Intersection Accident Lawyers
Street intersections are probably the most dangerous section of a roadway where accidents are most likely to occur. There is usually a lot going on at an intersection. Traffic lanes are crossing, vehicles are turning, pedestrians are walking across the street and drivers are either changing speeds or stopping at a signal. Of course, most intersections are controlled by traffic lights or stop signs and when a motorist or a pedestrian fails to obey these lights and signs, it can very easily end up in a serious accident. One-third of all traffic accidents are said to occur at street intersections. A majority of accidents, nearly half of all auto accidents in the United States, occur because of failure to yield right of way, driving through a stop sign or failing to obey a traffic light.
However, not all Seattle, Washington intersection accidents are the fault of motorists or pedestrians. In some cases, the roadway may be defective designed or constructed. That means that the driver may not be able to see ahead properly in order to judge the traffic. An intersection may be poorly lighted as a result of which a motorist may strike a pedestrian or a bicyclist. The lack of a painted crosswalk at an intersection may cause pedestrian accidents. Overhanging tree branches or vegetation may obstruct the view of motorists posing the risk of a crash at that intersection.
Intersection design in most cases is the responsibility of the governmental agency that is responsible for maintaining that roadway. Some intersections may require traffic lights, but the agency may not consider that a priority. Other intersections may require stop signs. In neighborhoods where speed is an issue, the city may need to lower speed limits or install speed bumps near intersections. But very often, all these are not priorities for governmental agencies, especially at times when funding gets tight. Although an agency may be aware of a dangerous street intersection, it may not do anything about it. In many cases, governmental agencies will have immunity and will be able to defend their decisions on these matters. But in some cases, it does amount to negligence.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured or if you have lost a loved one as a result of a street intersection accident, you may be entitled to get compensation from the governmental agency that was responsible for maintaining that roadway/street intersection. Please call an experienced Seattle intersection accident attorney at the Bernard Law Firm for a free consultation. We will make sure your legal rights are protection and that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and loss. Please call us today for your free case evaluation.
IF YOUR LOVED ONE HAS BEEN THE VICTIM OF A CAR ACCIDENT IN WASHINGTON,
CALL TODAY FOR A FREE CONSULTATION!
