Motor vehicle accidents can have many different causes, including drivers who are irresponsible and who fail to exercise reasonable care or follow the rules of the road. Among the many causes of auto accidents are poorly designed roads and intersections. When there is an unsafe intersection, even careful drivers could end up getting hurt or hurting others.
If you or someone you love was hurt or killed in an accident and you believe the crash occurred because the intersection was dangerous, you should consult with a New York personal injury law firm for help. An attorney with experience handling car accident cases can provide invaluable assistance with all types of car accident claims, including those arising from unsafe intersections as well as from careless drivers.
Accidents at Dangerous Intersections in Brooklyn
NY City Lens reported on a dangerous street which has Brooklyn residents expressing their anger. The dangerous location occurs where a left turn from Manhattan Bridge brings people into Brooklyn. The location borders the most dangerous intersection in the city, which is located at Tillary Street and Flatbush Avenue. It became dangerous when the Department of Transportation installed a 24-hour left-hand turn back in October.
When the left hand turn was added, a quiet street called Concord Street suddenly became a major thoroughfare. There are two schools on that street, as well as a playground and a community garden. With the addition of the left hand turn, however, buses and trucks now speed down the street regularly and put children and others on the road at risk.
In response to the myriad of complaints from locals in the area, the Department of Transportation recently imposed new restrictions on the left turn lane so it is no longer a 24-hour turn. Motorists may now make a left hand turn at the area only between 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM. This restriction was meant to address worries about unsafe walking conditions and about noise on the street.
However, residents are still worried about the extensive traffic during these hours and have indicated that the left turn should not ever be an option at that particular location. One resident commented that the street is not designed to be an off-ramp, which is essentially what the left turn has made it into.
When the city makes decisions on street design, it needs to take into account the risks of the roadways that it creates. If there is negligence in the design or maintenance of city streets, it could be possible for victims to hold the city accountable when accidents happen. This is especially true when there have been many past accidents in the area and/or when there have been many complaints made to the city about safety issues.
While a claim for poor street design and maintenance may be possible, these claims can be very difficult because there are special rules for suing any government agencies or government-affiliated organizations. Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff can provide advice to victims about what options they have available and can provide assistance in making a case for compensation. Contact us today to discuss the specifics of your case.
