A person was injured in a pedestrian accident after being struck by a San Francisco Municipal Railway light rail vehicle in the city's Bayview District. According to a Bay City News report, the injury collision involving a T-Third train occurred the morning of March 25, 2010, near the intersection of Third Street and Williams Avenue. The injured pedestrian was transported to a local hospital for treatment of what were described as non-life-threatening injuries. An investigation is ongoing.
I'm relieved to hear that this pedestrian did not sustain any life-threatening or critical injuries. I hope and pray that he or she makes a quick and complete recovery. It is also fortunate that no one else was injured.
San Francisco Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 16 fatalities and 790 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in San Francisco. Also, all San Francisco traffic accidents including car accidents claimed 35 lives and injured 3,577 people during the same time.
Fault and Liability
This news report does not have details about exactly how or why this accident occurred. Was the pedestrian in a marked or unmarked crosswalk or at an intersection at the time? Was he or she outside a crosswalk and in traffic lanes at the time? Was the operator of the train distracted or otherwise negligent? I trust an investigation will shed some light on the circumstances of this incident.
If the investigation determines that the Muni operator was at fault, then the transit authority could be held liable for the accident and resulting injuries. Injured victims in such cases can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation, physical therapy and other related damages. California Government Code section 911.2 requires claims against any governmental agency to be filed within six months of the accident or injury.
Filing a Claim
An experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer will be able to advise injured victims about their legal rights and options, in such cases. It would be advisable for victims to steer clear of insurance adjusters or attorneys for other involved parties prior to getting skilled legal representation for themselves. If you have been in an accident, please get medical attention immediately. Then, contact an injury lawyer who will look out for your best interests. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.
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.
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