Dangerous Street Intersections in San Juan Capistrano
The Orange County Register recently released the list of the most dangerous intersections for car accidents in San Juan Capistrano. According to the news report, the intersection of Ortega Highway and Del Obispo Street is the most accident-prone area in the city. This intersection apparently has a crash rate that is higher than the state average – 1.21 collisions per million vehicles. The state average is one per million.
Most Dangerous Intersection
City officials say this intersection has a high crash rate because it is the primary route for motorists to get to the 5 Freeway. Traffic on this intersection has also been affected by motorists trying to go downtown and those going east on Ortega Highway on their way to other South Orange County cities. Some of the other dangerous intersections listed in this study include Camino Capistrano and Del Obispo Street; Rancho Viejo Road and Ortega Highway; Del Obispo Street and Alipaz Street; Camino Capistrano and Stonehill Drive; and Del Obispo Street and Paseo Adelanto.
Car Crash Statistics
It is not clear from this report how many of these crashes involved major injuries. According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities, but 137 injuries reported due to car accidents in the city of San Juan Capistrano in 2008. In Orange County as a whole, 152 people died and 13,414 were injured as a result of car accidents during the same year.
Liability Issues
There are some intersections, which are just busy with heavy traffic. However, very often, we come across dangerous intersections, which are a hazard to motorists or pedestrians because of the way they have been designed or because they lack certain important safety features such as bike lanes or crosswalks. It is the responsibility of the government agency in charge of maintaining the roadway – whether it is the city, county or state – to make sure that the roadway is safe for everyone using it.
Those who have been injured as a result of a dangerous intersection can seek compensation from the governmental agency concerned for medical expenses, loss of earnings, cost of hospitalization and even long-term care, if the victim has sustained catastrophic injuries. An experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer will be able to advise injured victims in such cases about how to pursue their legal rights. Please remember that any personal injury or wrongful death claim against a California governmental agency must be filed within 180 days of the incident.
In your opinion, what are some of the most dangerous intersections in your city?
None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.
