Pedestrians walking alongside busy roads are more vulnerable to injury and death than all motorists combined.
Studies show that pedestrians fare better on sidewalks and clearly designated crosswalks, but drivers have to be able to read warning signals. Pedestrians can be seriously injured or even killed if drivers have trouble deciphering traffic cues.
Pedestrian crossings are only effective if they are well designed and properly maintained. Crosswalks positioned around a sharp turn or at the bottom of a hill may not give drivers enough time to stop. Power outages can cause lights to malfunction or go down altogether, leaving pedestrians unprotected.
Local municipalities have a responsibility to maintain traffic lights and crosswalks to keep pedestrians safe. They are also in charge of designing the crosswalk so it provides optimal protection for those crossing the street.
The crosswalk at Camino del Rio and Seventh Street has been the scene of multiple pedestrian collisions. In an effort to make the crossing safer, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) recently installed a median to shorten the crossing distance and installed flashing beacons.
The modifications may seem like an improvement, but some are saying they have done little to prevent pedestrian injuries.
On June 26, a 14-year-old boy sustained a head injury after a 69-year old motorist struck him as he crossed the street.
Even though the boy was seriously injured, the driver was not cited or arrested, because there was some debate about whether or not the crossing signal was activated. Some witnesses said the boy simply ran into traffic, while others say he caught the end of a walk signal but crossed too late.
Another motorist struck a cyclist back in April, and two different car accidents were caused by drivers stopping short to allow pedestrians to cross.
The flashing beacons were installed to protect walkers, but what if the time delay for pedestrians to cross the street is insufficient? Drivers could be signaled to proceed while people are still in the intersection, putting everyone at risk.
How Do I Prove That Road Conditions Caused My Accident?
If you believe the government’s failure to maintain safe roads caused your accident, you can file a personal injury claim against your local municipality. Here are some ways to strengthen your case:
- If you can, record all the details of your accident as soon as possible. Include your accident’s location, any street names or mile markers, the direction you were traveling and specific information about the road hazard (i.e. size and depth of a pothole.)
- Determine which government agency is responsible for maintaining the road and notify them of your claim. Your local county commissioners’ office can tell you who to call, and there are time limitations so be sure to act quickly.
- Always report road hazards to the proper authorities. Your action could save lives.
The most important move in any personal injury lawsuit is choosing the right attorney. At Metier Law Firm, our experienced lawyers can help you build the strongest case possible for your injury. We can help you establish a pattern of injuries and property damage caused by your road hazard, and help connect the government’s negligence to your accident.
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