Dangerous Roadways and Intersections
A negligent or reckless driver is not the only hazard to pedestrians on roadways and at street intersections. Very often, we see that poorly designed and maintained roadways or intersections can also pose a significant risk to pedestrians. So, who is responsible for making sure that these roadways or intersections are safe for pedestrians? It is usually the governmental entity that is responsible for maintaining that roadway such as the city, county, municipality or state.
Dangerous Intersections
Street intersections are the most common locations for any type of vehicular accident. Pedestrian accidents are no exception. Poor visibility, excessive shrubbery, inadequate lighting, lack of crosswalks, stop signs or other traffic devices can increase the risk of a collision. An experienced Washington personal injury attorney can review the history of accidents at a particular intersection, police reports and even complaints from local residents to help determine whether the dangerous intersection contributed to the accident.
It is the responsibility of the government to design and maintain safe intersections. Where an intersection is located and how close vehicles are allowed to park to it may affect the visibility of oncoming traffic. When cars are allowed to park too close to an intersection, drivers may not be able to see pedestrians starting to cross the street.
Dangerous Roadways
Some roadways are simply more dangerous than others. Roadway design flaws, poor construction and inadequate maintenance can lead to dangerous conditions for drivers and pedestrians.
Design flaws: Some roadways have serious design flaws that can lead to a tragic pedestrian collision. Some entrance and exit ramps are too short and force drivers to either accelerate or brake faster than is reasonably safe.
Lack of signage: When there are design flaws like quick turns, it is the responsibility of the government to either repair the design or at least to provide proper warning of the approaching conditions with appropriate signage. This is true not only for vehicles, but pedestrians as well. If it is not safe for pedestrians to cross at a certain location, it is important to post a sign saying that pedestrians should not cross there.
Lack of crosswalks: Motorists in Washington State are required to yield right-of-way to pedestrians who are walking in marked or unmarked crosswalks. There is no question that crosswalks are a safe place for pedestrians to cross the road. It also gives motorists a warning that there are pedestrians crossing. Sometimes, pedestrians are forced to cross a roadway in a dangerous manner because of the lack of proper crosswalks.
Visibility issues: Parked cars, foliage, block walls and other structures can hamper a motorist's view of a crosswalk or intersection and increase the risk of a pedestrian accident.
Some busy roadways or intersections may need additional safety devices such as flashing lights, stop signs or even a traffic light. When a government entity fails to fulfill these duties and knowingly allows a dangerous condition to exist on the roadway, then it could be held liable for personal injuries or fatalities that are caused as a result of that dangerous condition.
Determining liability in a personal injury case, especially a pedestrian accident, can be complicated. Please contact the skilled and experienced personal injury lawyers with The Bernard Law Group, who will make sure that the negligent parties are held accountable in your case and that you receive just compensation for your injuries, damages and losses. Call us today to discuss your Washington pedestrian accident case.
IF YOU, OR A LOVED ONE, HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED AS A RESULT OF A WASHINGTON PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT - CALL TODAY FOR A FREE CONSULTATION!
