Discover how poor road design contributes to car accidents in Glendale. KAASS LAW explains how victims can seek compensation and advocate for safer roads.
Every year, hundreds of car accidents happen in Glendale, California. While driver behavior—like speeding and texting while driving—often takes the blame, road design plays a major yet overlooked role in many of these crashes.
At KAASS LAW, we work with many clients who were injured in collisions where poor infrastructure contributed to the accident. In this blog, we explore how Glendale’s road layout influences car accident rates and how victims can take legal action when road conditions contribute to their injuries.
What Is Road Design and Why Does It Matter
Road design includes lane width, traffic flow, intersections, crosswalks, signage, lighting, and more. Smart, intentional design guides drivers safely and reduces confusion.
In contrast, flawed road design often puts drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians in danger. It limits visibility, reduces reaction time, and increases the risk of collisions. According to the Federal Highway Administration, roadway design has a significant influence on driver behavior and accident rates.
Common Road Design Issues in Glendale
Glendale’s aging infrastructure and growing population have created several design problems that raise accident risks:
-
Blocked Visibility at Intersections: Trees, poles, and parked cars often obstruct a driver’s view.
-
Missing Crosswalks and Traffic Signals: Drivers and pedestrians lack clear guidance in busy areas.
-
Narrow Traffic Lanes: Tight lanes make it harder for drivers to stay centered, which increases the risk of sideswipe accidents.
-
Faded Lane Markings: Without clear road lines, drivers struggle to navigate safely, especially at night or in bad weather.
-
Insufficient Signal Timing: Poorly timed lights at intersections increase the chance of rear-end or side-impact crashes.
High-Risk Areas in Glendale
Defective architectural designs on Glendale streets lead to numerous road accidents throughout the city. Brand Boulevard and Colorado Street become unsafe for drivers because they have insufficient walkways while encountering high numbers of pedestrians. Central Avenue poses safety hazards to drivers because of its insufficient bicycle facilities and narrow lanes.
The dangerous driving conditions at nighttime on Verdugo Road arise from its thin curves and lack of proper streetlighting systems.
How Road Design Triggers Different Types of Accidents
Specific infrastructure flaws tend to lead to certain crash types:
-
Rear-End Collisions: These often happen when short merging lanes or badly timed traffic lights don’t give drivers enough time to react.
-
T-Bone Accidents: Intersections without protected left-turn lanes or with unclear signals often cause these side-impact crashes.
-
Pedestrian Accidents: Streets without crosswalks or pedestrian signals place foot traffic in danger.
-
Single-Vehicle Crashes: Drivers navigating unclear curves or narrow lanes may hit curbs, poles, or medians.
Can You Sue the Government for Poor Road Design?
Yes, you can take legal action if poor road design contributed to your accident. In California, government agencies like the City of Glendale or Caltrans must maintain safe public roads. When they fail, they can face liability.
However, filing a claim against a government entity comes with strict deadlines. You must submit a notice of claim within six months of the accident date.
At KAASS LAW, we investigate road conditions, consult experts, and identify how flawed design helped cause our clients’ accidents.
How to Prove a Road Design Contributed to a Crash
To win compensation in a road design claim, you must show:
-
The road contained a dangerous condition.
-
The agency knew—or reasonably should have known—about it.
-
The danger contributed directly to your accident.
-
The agency failed to correct or warn about the hazard.
Our legal team gathers crash reports, photos, traffic studies, expert evaluations, and government records to build strong cases.
What Damages Can You Recover in a Road Design Case?
Your ability to claim compensation as a result of a road design contributing to the crash includes the following costs:
- Emergency and ongoing medical care
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Rehabilitation or long-term care
- Vehicle repair or replacement
- Wrongful death (for grieving families)
KAASS LAW fights aggressively to secure full and fair compensation for our clients.
Steps to Take After a Glendale Car Accident
To protect your legal rights and improve your chances of success, take these actions immediately after a crash:
-
Photograph the Scene: Capture road signs, signals, obstructions, and damage.
-
Talk to Witnesses: Ask if anyone noticed unsafe road features.
-
Get Medical Help: Seek treatment and keep detailed records.
-
Consult a Personal Injury Lawyer: A skilled attorney can identify design flaws and guide you through the legal process.
Why Choose KAASS LAW
At KAASS LAW, we understand that not all car accidents result from driver mistakes. Our Glendale attorneys dig deeper into the causes of each crash. When poor road design plays a part, we hold the responsible agencies accountable.
We know how to navigate government claims, collect key evidence, and fight for the justice our clients deserve.
Contact KAASS LAW Today
If unsafe road design caused or contributed to your car accident in Glendale, don’t wait. Contact KAASS LAW today for a free case review. We’re here to explain your rights and help you take legal action.
Call us at (310) 943-1171
Visit: www.kaass.com