A man was injured in a bicycle accident after he was struck by a San Francisco Municipal Railway streetcar the night of June 2, 2010. According to a CBS News report, the injury collision occurred at the intersection of 7th and Market streets. The bicyclist was transported to a local hospital with injuries. His current condition is not known.
I truly hope this bicyclist did not sustain any major injuries in the collision. I wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.
San Francisco Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were three fatalities and 471 injuries involving bicycle accidents in San Francisco. Also, during the same year, 35 people died and 3,577 were injured as a result of car accidents in San Francisco.
What Caused this Accident?
Based on this news report, it is not quite clear how or why this injury collision occurred. There are several unanswered questions here. Where exactly was the bicyclist riding at the time of the collision? Was the bicyclist in a crosswalk or was he riding on the side of the road? Who had the right-of-way at the time of the collision? Did the bicyclist or the operator of the streetcar fail to yield right-of-way? Was the driver of the streetcar impaired, distracted or otherwise negligent at the time of the collision? I trust investigators are looking into what exactly caused this crash.
Laws and Liability Issues
Under California law, bicyclists are subject to the same rights and responsibilities as the driver of any other vehicle on the roadway. California Vehicle Code Section 21200(a) states: "Every person riding a bicycle has all the rights and is subject to all the provisions applicable to the driver of a vehicle by this division."
However, if the driver of the streetcar is determined to have been at fault, he as well as the Muni could be held liable for the resulting accident and injuries. In such cases, injured victims could seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of earnings, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation, pain and suffering, and other damages. In any case where a California governmental entity is involved, personal injury claims must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury. The best San Francisco personal injury lawyers will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.
Do you feel safe riding a bicycle on a local roadway?
The BISNAR|CHASE personal injury law firm is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.
SLS Consulting