A recent devastating crash at the intersection of South 13th and Bancroft Street in Omaha has left the community shaken and demanding action. According to multiple reports, the collision claimed the life of a motorcyclist.
It has also brought this deadly intersection into the spotlight and has raised questions about traffic safety and the need for infrastructural changes. The incident was captured on nearby security cameras. The graphic nature of the crash has left witnesses and residents deeply disturbed.
The Metropolitan Area Planning Agency reports that in 2022, this intersection saw an average daily traffic count of 20,000 vehicles. This staggering volume of traffic sheds light on the potential for dangerous car accidents to occur here.
How does this intersection affect residents?
According to a KMTV 3 News Now report, Ariana Del Toral, who works at a nearby restaurant, witnessed the intersection collision through her establishment's security footage. "I saw a car going into the intersection, and the motorcycle just basically went over the car and crashed onto the other side," she recounted.
For Del Toral and others who frequent the area, the crash has taken an emotional toll. "It can be very like; I don't know like very traumatizing in a way to see that often," she added, referring to the numerous crashes she's observed over the years.
The impact extends beyond witnesses to affect neighboring families as well. Roberto, a resident living adjacent to the intersection, expressed his concerns for his children's safety. The busy traffic has led him to restrict his children's play area to the backyard only.
How are South Omaha residents addressing this deadly intersection?
In light of the recent tragedy and ongoing safety concerns, residents are calling for the installation of a traffic light at the intersection. Both Del Toral and Roberto believe this measure could significantly improve safety conditions.
Roberto, speaking through a translator, stated, “I say that’s why we need a traffic light so that all that traffic can calm down because big accidents could happen.”
Del Toral echoed this sentiment, adding, "Because I feel like it's very much needed, there's a lot of crashes that sometimes do not go reported and also need to be accounted for."
How common are car accidents at this location?
Despite frequent reports of collisions from residents, official records paint a different picture. A spokesperson for the Omaha Police Department told KMTV 3 News Now they had received zero complaints about the intersection of South 13th and Bancroft Street. This discrepancy between community experiences and official reports raises questions about how traffic incidents are documented and addressed.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this tragedy, the focus has shifted to preventing future incidents. Residents hope that their calls for a traffic light will be heard and acted upon by city officials.
How do intersection accidents typically happen in Omaha?
Intersections are inherently complex. Multiple vehicles, pedestrians, motorcyclists, and bicyclists approach intersections from different directions. This can increase the potential for conflicts and miscommunication that can lead to crashes. However, it's not necessarily the nature of intersections that cause crashes; it's human error. Most intersection accidents in Omaha are linked to:
- Failure to yield right-of-way.
- Running red lights or stop signs.
- Distracted driving.
- Excessive speeding.
- Left-turn collisions.
- Rear-end collisions.
- Impaired driving.
Our car accident lawyers hold negligent drivers accountable
Personal injury claims involving car accidents at intersections can be complicated, and determining who was at fault often requires a thorough investigation. Insurance companies often use tactics to reduce settlements for crash victims by shifting blame or downplaying the severity of injuries. At Ausman Law Firm P.C., L.L.O., we don't let insurance companies push crash victims around.
Our Omaha car accident attorneys have a proven track record of uncovering key evidence and building strong legal arguments. For example, our case results include $1.855 million for a crash victim who sustained a traumatic brain injury, a six-figure mediation settlement for a motorist injured in a rear-end collision, and many other meaningful victories.
Don't let someone else's negligence cost you more than it already has. Contact us online or call our office in Omaha today for a free consultation. Our legal team can answer your questions and help you explore your potential options.