Pedestrian Injured in San Francisco Muni Rail Accident

One person sustained injuries in a pedestrian accident after being struck by a San Francisco Municipal Railway light rail vehicle. Bay City News reports that the injury accident occurred in the city's Bayview District the morning of March 25, 2010. The pedestrian was hit by a T-Third train near the intersection of Third Street and Williams Avenue. The injured victim was taken to a nearby hospital. The person's injuries were not life-threatening. Officials are looking into what caused this accident.

It is indeed fortunate that this pedestrian did not sustain major injuries in this collision. I wish him or her the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep this injured victim in your prayers.

Accident Statistics

There were 16 fatalities and 790 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in San Francisco, according to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). Also, San Francisco traffic accidents including car accidents claimed 35 lives and injured 3,577 people in 2008.

Who or What Caused This Accident?

Based on this news report, it is not clear how or why this accident occurred. Who was at fault for this accident? Was the pedestrian crossing the street? Was he or she in a marked crosswalk or crossing the street legally at the time? Was the train's driver distracted or impaired at the time of the collision? Was there any other form of negligence involved here? I trust officials are conducting a thorough investigation in order to determine what happened here.

Liability Issues

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. California Government Code section 911.2 requires claims against any governmental agency to be filed within six months of the accident or injury. Injured victims in such cases can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation, physical therapy and other related damages.

Victims in such cases would be well-advised to contact an experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer who will be able to advise injured victims about their legal rights and options. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free and comprehensive consultation to injured victims and their families.

None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.