Another injury accident has occurred at the intersection of Brand Boulevard and Goode Avenue. This crossing is all too familiar to Glendale commuters and safety officials. On May 6, 2024, emergency crews responded to a two-vehicle collision. The crash resulted in two people needing hospitalization. While every accident is a unique tragedy, this incident is unfortunately not a surprise. It serves as a stark reminder that this specific location is a known Glendale Accident Hotspot. It consistently ranks as one of the most dangerous intersections in the city.
This news highlights the daily risks drivers face. It also raises critical questions about road design, driver behavior, and the legal rights of those who are injured. This article will examine why this intersection is particularly hazardous. We will also cover what you should do if you become a victim of a crash.
Why Brand & Goode is a Notorious Glendale Accident Hotspot
The data on this intersection is precise. An analysis of five years of accident data found that Brand Boulevard and Goode Avenue tied for the highest number of accidents in Glendale. Another report also placed it as one of the city’s most dangerous intersections.
The primary reason for this high accident rate is its direct connection to the Ventura Freeway (SR 134).
- Freeway On/Off-Ramp: The intersection serves as a major off-ramp. This creates a volatile mix of fast-moving freeway traffic and slower, local city traffic.
- High Traffic Volume: Brand Boulevard is a major thoroughfare with heavy traffic at all times. This constant flow creates a high potential for conflict.
- Driver Behavior: Drivers exiting a freeway are often still in a “highway mindset.” They may fail to slow down, make aggressive lane changes, or be unfamiliar with the local streets.
Common Causes of Crashes at this Glendale Accident Hotspot
While the intersection’s design is a significant factor, driver negligence ultimately causes the majority of crashes. At a high-stress location like Brand and Goode, common causes of accidents include:
- Speeding: Drivers failing to reduce their speed as they exit the freeway.
- Unsafe Lane Changes: Drivers making last-minute lane changes to turn.
- Failure to Yield: Drivers turning without yielding to oncoming traffic.
- Red-Light Running: Impatient drivers trying to beat the light in heavy congestion.
- Distracted Driving: Drivers looking at their phones instead of focusing on complex traffic patterns.
The City’s Response: Is Enough Being Done?
The City of Glendale is aware of its traffic safety challenges. For example, Glendale is one of six cities in California in a new Speed Safety Camera Pilot Program. This program aims to reduce speeding, a significant factor in many severe accidents.
However, for a known Glendale Accident Hotspot like Brand and Goode, questions remain. Many wonder if more targeted solutions, like redesigning the off-ramp or improving signal timing, are needed beyond general speed enforcement.
Your Legal Rights After a Crash at a Glendale Accident Hotspot
If an accident at Brand and Goode or any other dangerous intersection injures you, you have the right to seek compensation from the at-fault driver. Even if you believe you might be partially at fault, California’s “pure comparative negligence” rule allows you to recover damages. However, the court would reduce your final award by your percentage of fault.
Victims can seek compensation for:
- Medical bills (past and future).
- Lost wages.
- Pain and suffering.
- Property damage to their vehicle.
It is crucial to take the proper steps after a crash. According to the California DMV, defensive driving is key to preventing accidents. Knowing what to do after a crash is also essential.
How KAASS LAW Investigates These Complex Claims
At KAASS LAW, we have extensive experience representing accident victims. We handle cases from dangerous intersections throughout Glendale and Southern California. We understand how to investigate complex crashes and prove another driver’s negligence caused our client’s injuries. A Personal Injury claim can help you recover the resources you need to heal.
Our team knows how to gather crucial evidence. We collect police reports, witness statements, and surveillance footage to build a strong case. We are not intimidated by insurance companies that try to deny or downplay legitimate claims. If an accident at a Glendale Accident Hotspot has injured you, please Contact Us for a free, confidential consultation.
Conclusion
The recurring accidents at Brand Boulevard and Goode Avenue highlight a serious safety issue in Glendale. While all drivers must be cautious, the intersection’s design and freeway proximity create a foreseeable risk. If another driver’s negligence injures you at this Glendale Accident Hotspot, it is important to understand your legal rights. Seeking experienced legal counsel can help you navigate the claims process and secure the justice you deserve.