Muni Bus Accident in San Francisco Proves Fatal for Pedestrian
A San Francisco Muni bus accident occurred the morning of April 21, 2010, killing local attorney Scott Whitsett, 49, who was struck near his office at a street intersection. According to news reports, Whitsett had stepped off the curb to catch a cab when he was struck by one Muni bus and pushed into another bus that was stopped at the intersection of Mission and Beale streets. Whitsett was taken to an area hospital where he died.
I offer my deepest condolences to the family, friends and co-workers of Whitsett for whom this must be a devastating loss. They will be in my thoughts and 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 involved pedestrian accidents. In 2008 alone, 72 people died in pedestrian accidents in San Francisco. That number was up from 64 in 2007, according to that report. Accidents involving Muni vehicles in San Francisco are also on the rise, according to recent reports released by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
Fault and Liability
In this particular case, the driver of the Muni bus that hit Whitsett, Kimberly Johnson, told police that she hit the gas instead of the brake. If investigators determine that Johnson's negligence, inattention or error caused this fatal accident, she and her employer could be held liable for Whitsett's wrongful death.
Families of accident victims, in such cases, would be well-advised to contact an experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer, who will help them pursue their rights. Any personal injury or wrongful death claim against a governmental agency in California must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury, under California Government Code 911.2.
What do you think Muni officials should do to make their vehicles safer and prevent these types of accidents?
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.
