Highway Design and Construction Expert Witness Opines on Pedestrian Accident

ByJoseph O'Neill

|

Updated onJune 28, 2017

Highway Design and Construction Expert Witness Opines on Pedestrian Accident

This case involves a young child who was struck by a car during her walk to school. The highway where the girl was walking had no sidewalk, and the speed limit was excessive for a road that allowed pedestrian traffic. In addition, the pedestrian crosswalk was narrow, and there were no crossing guards or other measures to ensure pedestrian safety while crossing. The speed limit was reduced and efforts to render the intersection safe were expanded after the accident occurred. It was alleged that the state Department of Transportation was negligent in both their maintenance and design of the highway, and that this negligence contributed directly to the accident in question.

Question(s) For Expert Witness

1. Do you have extensive experience with the maintenance and design of the highways?

2. Do you have experience reviewing similar cases?

3. Have you ever published or lectured on the subject matter?

Expert Witness Response E-007736

inline imageI do have extensive experience in this area. I have given seminars in this area to the National Academy of Forensic Engineers and have published peer-reviewed papers in this area as well. Based on the brief summary given above, it seems that the highway should have had measures in place to increase pedestrian safety. For such a high-volume roadway that allowed pedestrian traffic, it is patently dangerous that this crossing lacked so many basic features. Some elements that could have enhanced the safety of this crossing and reduced the potential for accidents like this include curb extensions, a raised crosswalk, reduced traffic speed in the area around the crossing, and more visible signalling.

About the author

Joseph O'Neill

Joseph O'Neill

Joe has extensive experience in online journalism and technical writing across a range of legal topics, including personal injury, meidcal malpractice, mass torts, consumer litigation, commercial litigation, and more. Joe spent close to six years working at Expert Institute, finishing up his role here as Director of Marketing. He has considerable knowledge across an array of legal topics pertaining to expert witnesses. Currently, Joe servces as Owner and Demand Generation Consultant at LightSail Consulting.

Find an expert witness near you

What State is your case in?

What party are you representing?