Woodland Hills personal injury lawyer Barry P. Goldberg handles more local auto versus pedestrian accidents than you might think. Most of these accidents occur at only a few select intersections in Woodland Hills. This Article is Part 1 and discusses the two most dangerous intersections in Woodland Hills. With the increased foot traffic generated from the new Westfield Village and the increased number of apartment buildings, we expect that there will be a corresponding increase in auto v. pedestrian accidents. So be careful!
You may not expect there to be that many auto v. pedestrian accidents in pastoral suburban Woodland Hills. But, even a few of these accidents can upset an entire community because the damages can be so devastating. Of course, according to a recent LA Times study, there is a disproportionate number of accidents clustered in high-density areas near downtown such as in the Korea-Town area. But, it is precisely that reason you may not be on the lookout either as a pedestrian or a driver in Woodland Hills.
The two most dangerous intersections in Woodland Hills are not much of a surprise; 1) Topanga Canyon Blvd. and Ventura Blvd.; and 2) Winnetka Ave. and Ventura Blvd. Topanga Canyon Blvd. and Ventura Blvd. is an obvious place. In fact, those busy commercial streets are the two most traveled streets in Woodland Hills. It should not surprise anyone that there are all kinds of accidents that occur with that kind of volume.
However, there are some other factors at that intersection. Many bus riders change routes at the intersection. It is very common to see pedestrians running from one corner to the next to catch a bus. Also, that intersection is the largest magnet for homeless and transients in all of Woodland Hills. That population may be involved with pan handling and possible substance abuse. This is a dangerous combination at a busy intersection.
The second most dangerous intersection is Winnetka Ave. and Ventura Blvd. Again, not a huge surprise because it corners a very large student population associated with Taft High School. That intersection was even dangerous when Woodland Hills personal injury lawyer Barry P. Goldberg attended that school from 1973-1976! Teens are far more likely to disregard traffic signals, be distracted by friends and pretty girls and are generally less experienced drivers. Combine that with the high volume of regular Ventura Blvd. traffic and it is easy to understand why there are a significant number of pedestrian accidents.
In Part 2 of this series, personal injury lawyer Barry P. Goldberg will address other intersections in Woodland Hills that have a high number of pedestrian accidents.
