Warning Needed for Median Curb in Carmichael
I’m Ed Smith, a Carmichael personal injury lawyer. A dangerous median curb in Carmichael has local residents contacting the county about the numerous accidents there. According to the Sacramento County Department of Transportation (SACDOT), it has plans to paint the curb a bright color, and add reflective posts to address the problem. Improvements have been delayed due to weather problems but are expected to be addressed in the coming weeks.
Motorists Jumping Curb on Median
According to one nearby resident of Carmichael, the problem stems with motorists attempting to make a left turn at Manzanita Avenue and Bourbon Drive. When turning left onto Manzanita, at least 40 motorists have struck the concrete barricade instead. The woman being interviewed said it had occurred five times in the past week alone. A policeman with the California Highway Patrol (CHP) in North Sacramento said that few of those involved in accidents at the location wanted to report their accidents. However, a number of the vehicles involved sustained damage, including flat tires and damaged oil pans.
Previous Warning Posts Haven’t Worked
The county has previously tried to address the problem of the dangerous median barricade by adding reflective posts to warn local motorists about the curb. However, the posts are destroyed with each accident. Neighbors in the area report that the barricade is not only dangerous but provides a disturbance in the neighborhood with the sound of motor vehicle crashes at night. At this point, the neighbors believe the problem is with the street itself and not with the motorists.
Warning Signs
Municipalities, state and federal jurisdictions and construction companies have the responsibility of warning drivers of dangerous road conditions. Such signage gives the driver time to make adjustments to speed that are essential to navigate the road safely. While local drivers may have knowledge of changing lane conditions, such as when the roadway narrows suddenly, others may not. Some common warnings are:
- Road changes such as sharp curves
- Dangerous areas associated with environmental hazards such as mudslides
- Warning of increased risk of slick highway conditions due to ice or rain
- Animals such as deer crossings
- Lane changes
- Areas with visibility issues
- Construction areas
- Median curbs
Liability for Not Installing Warning Signs
The responsibility for installing warning signs rests with the authority in charge of the road. In a local area, city and/or county may be involved. Nonetheless, failure to adhere to this demand can result in serious personal injury or property damage. In most cases, this negligence can be cited in a claim against the authority. An experienced injury lawyer can incorporate this into a claim against the government for compensation.
One facet of a claim against a government entity is the time limit a plaintiff has to report the injury. Usually, it must be reported within six (6) months or 180 days from when it happened. If the defending authority decides not to pay for damages, the plaintiff can file a lawsuit against the entity. If the claim is not made within the proper amount of time, neither the lawsuit nor recovery is possible. There are some exceptions to this rule. Contact a Carmichael personal injury lawyer for more information.
Dangers of Hitting a Median Curb
While many motorists who hit a median curb sustain serious damage to their vehicle, others may also become involved in a serious accident. For example, hitting a curb at even a slow speed can cause a vehicle to lose control, hitting other motor vehicles. With speeding, it is possible for the vehicle to overturn, rolling out into adjacent lanes.
Related Articles by Ed Smith, a personal injury lawyer in Carmichael:
- Types of Car Accidents Handled by a Personal Injury Lawyer
- Be Aware of Brain Injury Symptoms Following a Car Accident
- Common Varieties of Motor Vehicle Accidents
Carmichael Car Accident Attorneys
I’m Ed Smith, a Carmichael car accident lawyer. Motorists expect roads to be kept in good condition to avoid accidents. When a government entity is at fault, an injured motorist may place a claim for fair compensation. If this happened to you or your loved one, call (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400. I’m always pleased to help you with friendly and free advice.
Over my 35 year career, I have been proud to assist many Carmichael and Northern California families in personal injury areas such as brain injuries and vehicular accidents.
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