Xiu Fang Huang, 63, was killed in a San Francisco car accident after she was struck by a San Francisco city Public Utilities Commission truck at an intersection. According to a news report in the San Francisco Examiner, Huang was crossing at the street intersection of Ocean and Miramar avenues the afternoon of February 9, 2010 when she was hit. The large city truck, which was towing a trailer and had three city employees onboard, was headed south on Miramar. The driver of the truck attempted a left turn on to Ocean Avenue when the fatal pedestrian accident occurred. Huang died at the scene. No one has been cited or arrested pending a police investigation. The city's Public Utilities Commission is also conducting its own investigation of this incident.
My heart goes out to the family and friends of Xiu Fang Huang for their tragic and devastating loss. I offer my deepest sympathies to everyone who knew and loved Huang. Please keep them in your prayers.
San Francisco Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents are getting to be a serious problem in the city of San Francisco. Two months ago, a group called Transportation for America released a study, which showed that 27 percent of all traffic accident fatalities in the San Francisco region (including Oakland and Fremont), involved pedestrian accidents. In 2008 alone, 72 people died in pedestrian accidents in San Francisco. That number was up from 64 in 2007.
Causes and Liability Issues
Based on this news report, it is not exactly clear why this accident occurred. It seems that the woman was walking at the street intersection. The question is whether Huang was crossing the street against a red light or whether the city truck had the green light and therefore, the right-of-way at the intersection. Police say the investigation is already proving to be a challenge because the incident was witnessed by several people and each of them has a different account.
In such cases, it is extremely important for the victim's family to retain the services of an experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the investigation and make sure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. In this case, if the driver of the truck is found to have been at-fault, the city could be held liable because the driver was on-the-job at the time. Under California law, any personal injury or wrongful death claim against a governmental agency, such as the city, should be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury.
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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