L.A. to Pay $9.5 Million to Settle Lawsuit Over “Dangerously Designed” Intersection

The City of Los Angeles has agreed to pay an injured plaintiff $9.5 million to settle a lawsuit filed by a woman who claimed that a poorly designed intersection was a cause of the traffic accident that resulted in her injuries. Recently, the City Council unanimously approved the settlement amount for the plaintiff. Her vehicle was struck by another car in February 2021 at Oakshire Drive and Cahuenga Boulevard in the Hollywood Hills. Days prior, a traffic light pole had been damaged by a crash at the very same intersection. The traffic light was damaged, so the city installed a temporary pole on the side of the road, according to the complaint.

During the accident, the plaintiff was driving a 2004 Toyota Highlander on Oakshire Drive just before 8 a.m. She was making a left-hand turn toward the northbound side of Cahuenga Boulevard after the light turned green.

Another driver in a Chevy truck traveling south on Cahuenga failed to stop at the red light and struck the plaintiff’s car. The driver said he didn’t notice the temporary traffic light “until the last second.” According to the plaintiff, the placement of the temporary light made it difficult to see.

Analyzing the case 

Cases like this are complex because they involve allegations made against the government. Each state has its own rules when it comes to filing lawsuits against the government, but every state makes it harder than filing suit against a private citizen or entity. These rules are called “sovereign immunity” rules and generally outline the terms under which a private citizen may file a personal injury lawsuit against a government. In this case, the plaintiff filed suit against the City of Los Angeles over a dangerously designed intersection and an ad hoc traffic light. She successfully argued that the City of Los Angeles made the roadway increasingly dangerous to drivers who had a difficult time seeing the light. This resulted in her accident.

Damages 

In this case, the plaintiff required neck surgery in order to repair damage caused by the accident. She sustained injuries to her head and neck and incurred the medical expense of treating those injuries. It’s unclear how much of the settlement was the result of medical expenses, but she likely faced other problems as well. In a serious traffic accident, it’s common for an injury victim to miss time from work, lose their employment, and suffer from a decreased quality of life.

Talk to an Oakland, CA Traffic Accident Lawyer Today 

If you’ve been seriously injured in a traffic accident, the Oakland car accident attorneys at Venardi Zurada can help you file a claim against the at-fault driver or any other entities that contributed negligence, including the government. Call our office today to schedule an appointment, and we can begin investigating your case right away.

Source:

latimes.com/california/story/2024-04-09/l-a-to-pay-9-5-million-to-settle-lawsuit-over-dangerously-designed-intersection