City officials in El Monte are saying that an intersection where 40-year-old Agueda Quezadas-Gomez died in a June 20, 2010 car accident is among the city's most dangerous. According to a news report in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, just over the last three years, there have been at least 16 crashes at the intersection of Peck Road and Rush Street. Quezadas-Gomez died when the car in which she was a passenger crashed into a traffic signal pole at the intersection. Officials say this was the third time since 2007 that someone has crashed into that very same pole at the intersection.

While officials say that a majority of the crashes involving the intersection involved either unlicensed or drunk drivers, neighbors and people who work nearby say that the intersection is "deceptive," because cars seem farther away than they actually are. Officials say that is because Rush Street is straight until it curves right before the intersection. Very often, drivers do not pay attention to the way the road turns, officials say.

Is the Intersection Hazardous?

If I were living in this neighborhood, I would still be concerned about the high number of car accidents at this South El Monte intersection. There are a few questions that must be asked here. For how long has this intersection been hazardous? How far back does the problem go? Has the city done anything at that intersection to enhance traffic safety? If so, what type of safety features have been put in place and have those features improved the situation in any way?

Government Liability

In cases where a dangerous roadway or intersection has caused or contributed to a car accident, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could be held liable. An injured victim's family can file a personal injury or wrongful death claim against a governmental entity if the injury or death was caused by a dangerous situation or defect on the public property. The victim must prove that the injury was caused by the dangerous roadway or intersection and that the governmental entity had notice of the dangerous condition, but did not take any action to rectify the problem when it could have been done at a reasonable time and expense.

Individuals who have been involved in accidents caused by dangerous roadways would be well-advised to consult with an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who has a successful track record in dealing with cases involving government liability. Any such claim against a California governmental agency must be properly filed within 180 days of the accident or injury.

What are the most dangerous intersections for motorists in your city or neighborhood?

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.