When you drive, you expect all signs and traffic signals to be where they’re supposed to be. Of course, some have to be replaced from time to time. However, when that happens, you expect a temporary traffic light or control to be put in place.
That didn’t happen in this case. Officials in Nebraska have agreed to pay out $2.1 million to families as a settlement for a 2014 traffic crash. The crash resulted in the deaths of three people.
The crash occurred in May 2014 as a result of road workers removing a stop sign from a highway intersection. At the time of the accident, a semi moving south on Highway 15 collided with a Ford Escape heading east on Highway 32 as the drivers entered the intersection. The two vehicles hit another semi that was heading north on Highway 15.
All three vehicles caught on fire as a result of the collision, and three people were killed: The two people in the Ford Escape and the driver of the second semi.
The driver on Highway 15 had the right of way at the intersection. However, since the stop signs had been removed for replacement, the other drivers had not slowed or stopped at the intersection. Reportedly, no temporary traffic controls were in place, so drivers had no idea of the potential for a collision. Road crews had also parked in a way that obstructed a stop sign on the corner of the highway. A majority of the settlement went to the surviving driver who was left with permanent disabilities.
Crashes like this are completely avoidable. If you’re hurt because of negligence related to traffic signals, then you may be able to seek compensation from the state.
Source: Omaha World-Herald, “Officials agree to $2.1 million settlement in crash that killed 3 after road workers removed stop sign,” Joe Duggan, March 23, 2017
