Personal Injury
Sidewalk
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Sidewalk Accidents: Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about sidewalk accidents. You can learn from this page what the actual definition of a sidewalk is, who is responsible for their maintenance, and their common problems. If you have been injuried in a sidewalk accident, fill out this simple form today for a free case evaluation.
- What are sidewalks?
- Who is responsible for maintaining sidewalks?
- What are some of the common problems with sidewalks?
What are sidewalks?
- Sidewalks are created for pedestrians and cyclists and is usually located alongside the road. However,in areas where there is only one sidewalk, bicyclists usually use the road.
- They tend to be made of concrete, asphalt, brick, or stone. In addition they vary in size, depending on the traffic in the area.
- In general, they tend to be wider than 4 ft.
- Furthermore, the US government has adopted the Americans with Disabilities Act, which requires sidwalks to have curb cuts at intersections so that sidwalks can be used by disabled.
Who is responsible for maintaining sidewalks?
- City and property owners are responsibile for constructing and maintaining sidewalk space.
- The City Engineer is in charge of overseeing sidewalk construction, reconstruction or repair.
What are some of the common problems with sidewalks?
- Step separation - A vertical displacement of 13 mm (0.5 in) or greater at any point on the walkway that could cause pedestrians to trip or prevent the wheels of a wheelchair or stroller from rolling smoothly.
- Badly cracked concrete - Holes and rough spots ranging from hairline cracks to indentations wider than 13 mm (0.5 in).
- Spalled areas - Fragments of concrete or other building material detached from larger structures.
- Settled areas that trap water - Sidewalk segments with depressions, reverse cross slopes, or other indentations that make the sidewalk path lower than the curb. These depressions trap silt and water on the sidewalk and reduce the slip resistant nature of the surface.
- Tree root damage - Roots from trees growing in adjacent landscaping that cause the walkway surface to buckle and crack.
- Vegetation overgrowth - Ground cover, trees, or shrubs on properties or setbacks adjacent to the path that have not been pruned can encroach onto the path and create obstacles.
- Obstacles - Objects located on the sidewalk, in setbacks, or on properties adjacent to the sidewalk that obstruct the passage space. Obstacles commonly include trash receptacles, utility poles, newspaper vending machines, and mailboxes
- General Safety - Any safety issue that a pedestrian or sidewalk inspector believes should merit attention.
- Blocked drainage inlets and inadequate flow planning.
- Temporary construction interruptions.
- Inadequate patching after utility installation.
see also:
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