The city of Kansas City got hit with a verdict of more than $1 million for a fatal accident that the victim’s relatives blamed in part on a poorly designed and maintained traffic signal.

Tina Jons had mistakenly entered the downtown intersection of 18th and Charlotte streets, believing she had a green light, and caused a crash resulting in the death of Stephen Sasnett. Another vehicle, driven by Ronald Brooks, collided with Jons’ car, sending her vehicle in the air. It landed on Sasnett’s vehicle.Jons, who actually ran a red light, later learned she had looked at green traffic lights in a nearby intersection to the west.

Sasnett’s survivors, including his wife and children, filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Jons and Brooks for negligence and also sued Kansas City, claiming the city contributed to the accident because its improper design and maintenance of the traffic signal created a dangerous public condition.

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a car accident or as a result of a dangerous condition, please contact the experienced attorneys at Strong-Garner-Bauer at 417-887-4300.