On May 24th, the Department of Transportation placed portable signs to advise caution and establish a ten mph speed limit for those cruising on two wheels. The signs were mounted on poles at crosswalks near the Prospect Park Bandshell and Vanderbilt playground.
The city’s placement of the signs in the middle of the pavement created a serious hazard for cyclists. One man crashed into a sign on May 31 and may need the services of a New York City personal injury lawyer.
Stanley Greenberg, a member of the Prospect Park Community Committee, stated that he heard a noise and when he turned around he saw a guy down on the ground due to the collision. The committee serves as a liaison between the stewards of the park and the local community.
The sign rotated 90 degrees when the man crashed into it, leaving him with injuries that required an ambulance. Greenberg was visibly upset and explained that no one had been informed about the sign’s placement, which could have prevented the incident and the need for the man to consult with a New York City injury attorney.
A spokeswoman for the Alliance said Greenberg knew about the plans to ease traffic concerns with the signs when the project was proposed in February. He said he knew the concerns surfaced, but a concrete plan to remedy the problem wasn’t explained. A spokeswoman for the Transportation Department said the signs were moved to the side of the road after the incident, but they remained in the middle of the road through part of the weekend.
Failing to address the problem could lead to more personal injury cases in New York City, as the city has a responsibility to help keep the public safe. The failure to assess the situation before installing the signs created a hazardous environment for cyclists and could expose the city to liability for resulting injuries.
Lawsuits are complicating, and an experienced personal injury attorney can help ensure you receive adequate compensation for your medical costs and other expenses incurred from the incident.
If you’ve experienced an injury from a poorly placed sign, a personal injury attorney may be able to help you.