Caltrans negligent in personal injury case

This California personal injury lawsuit involves teenagers driving on a mountain road in the San Bernardino mountains. According to news reports, a car full of teenagers was speeding on the mountain road in 2004, lost control of the vehicle and it crashed – killing two of the teenager occupants. Although the driver pled guilty to vehicular manslaughter in juvenile court for speeding, the surviving family members of the two teens that died – along with another crash survivor, sued Caltrans for not warning drivers about the hazardous conditions of the road.

Caltrans defended the lawsuit by arguing that the road was safe when driven at legal speeds; however, the plaintiffs' California personal injury attorney was able to prove to the jury that Caltrans knew that the conditions of the road were particularly dangerous, but failed to warn drivers. The jury awarded the surviving family members and the other surviving teenager $6.3 million in damages

State and local government responsibilities

State and local governments are generally responsible for maintaining roadways and keeping them free from hazards. When hazardous conditions do exist – regardless of whether those conditions relate to construction or dangerous conditions such as sharp turns, low shoulders or loose gravel – they must warn drivers of those hazards. When they don't, they are likely to be held responsible for their actions.

Car accident damages

The facts and circumstances surrounding car accident cases are generally never straight forward – such as in the case described above. Even though the driver was speeding and partially at fault, other parties were also find liable and made to compensate the victims and/or their families for the damages they sustained. If you've been injured due to a car accident, contact an experienced California car accident lawyer to discuss your situation and evaluate your options.