Dangerous Intersection at 105 Freeway’s End Raises Serious Premises Liability Issues
August 15, 2024
The Hazards of the 105 Freeway’s Abrupt End in Norwalk
The eastbound terminus of the 105 Freeway, where it intersects with Studebaker Road in Norwalk, has become notorious for violent crashes, prompting urgent calls for safety improvements. Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn leads the charge, demanding immediate action to address what she describes as a “dangerous” intersection.
The 105 Freeway runs from SR 1 in El Segundo to the 605 Freeway in Norwalk, but its abrupt end at Studebaker Road has been the site of numerous accidents. Hahn’s office recently sent a letter to state transportation officials on behalf of the City of Norwalk, emphasizing the intersection’s hazards. The letter noted a disturbing trend of drivers speeding through the intersection, unaware of its abrupt end, resulting in severe collisions with barricades and nearby buildings. In 2023 alone, the intersection witnessed 12 severe crashes, claiming two lives.
A striking example of the dangers posed by this intersection is the closure of a nearby medical center. The facility had to shut its doors due to the repeated impact of vehicles crashing into its structure, underscoring the urgent need for remedial measures.
Premises Liability and the Responsibility of Property Owners
This situation at the 105 Freeway’s terminus highlights the broader premises liability issue. In California, property owners are legally obligated to maintain safe conditions. Failure to do so can result in liability for injuries resulting from unsafe conditions.
Premises liability laws hold property owners accountable if it can be proven that they knew or should have known about a dangerous condition and failed to address it. This legal framework ensures that property owners regularly inspect and repair any hazards that could harm visitors, tenants, or guests.
In light of the recent safety concerns at the terminus of the 105 Freeway, where hazardous conditions have led to multiple crashes and a tragic loss of life, it’s evident that property owners and public entities have a responsibility to address and rectify dangerous conditions promptly.
California’s premises liability regulations hold business owners, city municipalities, and property owners liable for injuries that occur on their properties if the injured individual can prove:
- That the owner’s actions (intentional or unintentional) caused the unsafe condition that led to the injury
- The owner knew of the dangerous condition but made no effort to repair the damage or otherwise failed to prevent an accident from happening
- The owner should have known about the dangerous condition.
- That the defect or dangerous condition caused your injury
Navigating the complexities of premises liability and personal injury claims can be challenging, even for seemingly straightforward accidents. At Aitken Aitken Cohn, our Orange County premises liability attorneys bring a wealth of experience, ensuring that every piece of evidence is utilized to maximize your financial recovery.
AAC attorneys recently resolved a premises liability case involving the wrongful death of a motorcyclist whose family sued the City of San Diego for the dangerous condition of public property. Our firm represented the daughter and widow of a man who died of catastrophic injuries after he hit a pothole and lost control while riding a motorcycle. Darin “Ricki” Barioni suffered significant injuries in 2014 when he hit a pothole while riding his bike near the Mount Soledad cross. He flipped over while traveling north on Via Capri near its intersection with Rue Michael. Barioni eventually died from his injuries in June 2020 at age 58.
The Orange County premises liability attorneys at Aitken * Aitken * Cohn have handled hundreds of premises liability cases. If you or a loved one has been injured due to unsafe conditions at a property or public space, in a situation like these examples below, contact Aitken Aitken Cohn.
- A customer, client, patient, or patron in a business establishment
- A visitor in someone’s home
- A tourist visiting a local attraction
- A delivery or repair service person
- And in certain instances, even a trespasser
Our experienced team will fight for your rights and ensure you receive the justice and compensation you are entitled to.
Written on behalf of Aitken Aitken Cohn