Highway 99 and Nearby Areas Affected by Broken Water Main
A broken water main on July 20 in Sacramento disrupted the evening commute for many motorists on Highway 99 and surrounding areas. The flooding began close to Franklin Boulevard and 14th Avenue when the main broke around 4:30 p.m. and spread to southbound 99. According to a representative from Caltrans, it created a traffic backup that lasted for several hours as motorists were seen by news helicopters going as far back as Cal Expo.
Crews Join Together to Repair Damage
There was such a large amount of water flooding the roads. At one point, an officer with the California Highway Patrol (CHP) was seen pushing a smaller vehicle. Workers were seen standing in water waist-deep as they tried to repair the break. Workers with the City of Sacramento were also out in force to assist in handling the problem.
Previous Flooding Occurred in the Area
John Conover, the Water Distribution Superintendent, said it was probably a 12-inch pipe of cast iron that broke and caused the flooding. Pressure underground caused by the flooding led to cracked pavement with holes and debris at the site of the break. Over the past few years, that same location flooded in 2012 along Franklin Boulevard. Highway 99 flooded in 2015 in the same general area.
Street Closures Due to Broken Water Main
Franklin Boulevard southbound was closed at Sutterville Road as far as Wilmington Avenue. Streets were also shut down from 14th Avenue to 30th Street. The roadways were reopened around 9:00 in the evening after the broken water main was repaired, and the debris and water were cleared from the road by Caltrans crews.
Is a City Responsible for Injuries After a Water Main Break?
Cities, just as private individuals and others, owe a duty of care to another person or entity. When they fail in that duty, they may be held responsible for injuries that arise because of it. Of course, the city government cannot shut down a street, redirect the traffic right away or post signs minutes later. Negligence would be difficult to prove in those instances.
However, if the city was lax on performing scheduled maintenance or had a history of lines rupturing, and an accident injury occurred, you might have a government negligence case. Speed is important in gathering the evidence needed to support your claim before it disappears. A lawyer experienced in handling claims of this type who knows how to get around government immunity is essential.
Placing a Government Claim
Filing a claim against a government entity is different from other personal injuries because the injured person has only six months instead of two years to file. Once the claim is filed, the government agency has 45 days in which to respond. The agency has that amount of time to agree to or deny the claim.
In some cases, no response is received from the government entity. The injured person has six months to file in court if it was denied and two years to file if no response was received. Because the statute of limitations is short and paperwork can be complex, having an attorney with experience in handling government claims is a good idea. The attorney can ensure that all paperwork is completed correctly and filed within the statute of limitations.
Injury Lawyer in Sacramento
I’m Ed Smith, an injury lawyer in Sacramento. If government negligence led to your traffic injury, I can offer you my free and friendly advice when you call me at (916) 921-6400. Our long-distance number is (800) 404-5400, and an online contact form is available.
I’m honored to be a member of the Top 1 Percent and Million Dollar Forum.
Cases handled by my firm and client reviews are below:
Over the 38 years that I’ve worked as an injury lawyer, I’ve helped many people obtain the compensation they deserved. This includes in areas such as wrongful deaths, traffic accidents, government claims, and traumas such as brain injuries.
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/flooding-road-closed-disaster-wet-2255342/
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