Two Tourists Injured in San Francisco Car Accident
Two tourists were injured in a San Francisco car accident as they were walking in the Fisherman's Wharf neighborhood the evening of June 6, 2010. According to a CBS News report, the two pedestrians were walking at the intersection of Jefferson and Taylor streets when they were struck by a white Mercedes-Benz SUV. The injured pedestrians were transported to a local hospital. The extent of their injuries is not known. The driver of the SUV has not yet been arrested pending an official investigation.
I sincerely hope these two victims have not sustained any catastrophic injuries. I wish them the very best for a quick and complete recovery. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Pedestrian Accidents
According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 traffic accident statistics, there were 16 deaths and 790 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in San Francisco. Also, in the city, 35 people died and 3,577 were injured as a result of car accidents during the same year.
Pedestrians' Right-of-Way
Based on this news report, it appears that the pedestrians were walking at an intersection. If they were crossing the street at the intersection and had the light, the driver of the SUV could be found at fault for failing to yield right-of-way to pedestrians.
California Vehicle Code section 21950 states: "The driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection." The same section also states that the driver of a vehicle approaching a pedestrian within any marked or unmarked crosswalk "shall exercise all due care and shall reduce the speed of a vehicle or take any other action relating to the operating of the vehicle as necessary to safeguard the safety of the pedestrian."
Claim for Compensation
In such cases, at-fault motorists can also be held financially responsible for causing the victims' injuries. An experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer will be able to advise victims about their legal rights and options. A skilled car accident lawyer will also be able to determine whether a dangerous condition at the intersection caused or contributed to the accident. If that was the case, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could also be held liable. Please remember that any claim against a California public entity must be properly filed within 180 days of the incident.
What are the biggest dangers pedestrians face at street intersections?
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.
