Highway Design and Construction Expert Witness Opines on Pedestrian Accident

Case Overview

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.

Questions to the Forensic Science expert and their responses

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

I do have extensive experience in this area.

Do you have experience reviewing similar cases?

Based on the brief summary given above, it seems that the highway should have had measures in place to increase pedestrian safety.

Have you ever published or lectured on the subject matter?

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.

About the expert

This expert has over 35 years of experience, specializing in bicycle accident investigation. He is on the ASTM Committee for bicycle standards. Previously President of the National Academy of Forensic Engineers, he is a Fellow of both the American Society of Civil Engineers and the National Academy of Forensic Engineers. He is a Registered Professional Engineer for ten states and has authored several books and articles on subject of bicycle safety. He currently serves as President of a forensic engineering firm.