Arden Arcade Intersection Accident Sends Injured to Hospital
A two-vehicle accident happened at an Arden Arcade intersection in the early morning hours of April 15. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the crash occurred where Marconi Avenue and Bell Street cross. Metro Fire said the vehicles had collided at a high speed. Both of the vehicles involved in the two-vehicle accident were reported to have sustained heavy damage. One of the two vehicles also crashed into a utility pole, hit a fence, and continued into the front yard of a resident. The drivers remained at the accident site, and two people were transported to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment. The cause of the accident has not been revealed as of the time of this report. The CHP is actively investigating the two-vehicle accident to determine why it occurred and if alcohol or drugs was involved.
Intersection Accidents
Intersections are frequently dangerous for pedestrians, motorists and bicyclists. It’s the complexity of the intersection that can lead to motor vehicle accidents. One of the most frequent reasons accidents happen occurs when a motorist runs a red light. The driver legally crossing perpendicular to the red-light runner is hit in a T-bone crash where the negligent driver slams into the side of his or her vehicle. Injuries are common in this type of crash since the door and side panels have few safety features, and serious injuries such as pelvic fractures are seen. Newer models are being outfitted with side airbags. Other common reasons intersection accidents occur are distracted or drunk driving.
Government Agencies May Be Liable for Intersection Accidents
The proper design of an intersection is crucial to avoiding collisions. Several factors should be taken into consideration:
- Visibility: It is vital that the driver has clear visibility as they approach and drive through an intersection. To begin with, drivers need to be warned that an intersection is forthcoming. The stop signs or traffic lights need to be maintained and clear of foliage or objects that obscure them from the driver’s view. If visibility is low, then the risk of an intersection accident is more likely.
- Well-marked lanes: Another problem that occurs in an intersection is when the lanes are not clearly marked. This includes nighttime road reflectors to make it easier to see them in the dark. When a government agency does not initiate or maintain the lanes, it is possible to file a claim against the city.
- Malfunctioning traffic lights: Sometimes, traffic lights are not working as they should, leading to driver confusion. This is prevented by having a strict protocol aimed at maintaining the lights.
Claims If a Government Agency Is at Fault in an Intersection Accident
When a government agency is responsible for a crash at an intersection, it can be held liable. A claim in this situation is different from other accident claims. Instead of the usual two years to file, in this case, a claim must be filed within six months of the date of the injury. Once the claim is filed, the government has 45 days to respond. If they deny the claim, the injured party has six months to file a lawsuit. However, if the government fails to respond, the injured party has two years to file a lawsuit. If a negligent motorist was also involved in the collision, a lawsuit can also be filed against them. Because of the complexity of this type of accident, the insight of a car accident lawyer is necessary.
How a Law Firm Investigates the Accident
At our law firm, we dispatch our investigative team to the accident site. There, they search for proof that another driver and/or government agency was involved. The investigators scour the area for proof of liability and interview witnesses to the collision. They also check police reports for accuracy and use accident reconstruction techniques to have a clear view of how the collision progressed. Traffic surveillance cameras are also tapped to provide video footage of the crash as it occurred. Once all evidence is compiled, it is given to our lawyers to help build a strong case for our clients.
Car Accident Attorney in Arden Arcade
I’m Ed Smith, a car accident attorney in Arden Arcade. If you are injured in an intersection accident, call me for free and friendly advice. You can reach at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400. I am also available online.
I’ve helped Arden Arcade residents since 1982 collect the damages they deserve in car accidents, wrongful deaths, and other traumatic injuries.
I am a member of the following organizations:
Learn more about my practice here:
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/car-accident-broken-glass-splatter-337764/
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