blog home Bicycle Accident Car Accident Teenager Files Claim Against the City of Costa Mesa After Traffic Accident

By Renee Nordstrand on April 26, 2010

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2010/04/woman-hit-by-car-claims-costa-mesa-traffic-signal-didnt-give-her-enough-time-to-cross.html

An 18-year-old San Clemente resident has filed a $42,000 claim against the city of Costa Mesa following a traffic accident at Fairview Road and Fair Drive that occurred on November 18, 2009, the Los Angeles Times reports.

In her claim, Katelyn Obbards states that she was riding her bicycle eastbound on Fair Drive at the Fairview Road intersection, and, as she crossed the intersection through a green light, the traffic signal changed from yellow to red in a few quick seconds, causing her to be hit from behind by a car traveling northbound on Fairview who accelerated when the signal opposing Obbards turned green.

As a result of the incident, Obbards suffered injuries including the loss of several teeth, facial lacerations, a fractured back, and a herniated disc.  According to Obbard’s attorney, a police officer that arrived at the scene of the accident had commented that the timing on the traffic signals was off.

It is the city’s responsibility to ensure that traffic signals function properly. If the signal was in fact off on the night of Obbard’s accident, the city of Costa Mesa may be held liable for her injuries and damages, including medical treatment, lost wages, and pain suffering.

If you have been injured on city property due to negligent conditions, please contact experienced, aggressive personal injury attorneys today for a free consultation.