Two people were injured in a San Francisco car accident involving a bus and a streetcar on September 22, 2009. According to a CBS News report, a 71 bus clipped an F-line streetcar with its mirrors. Both vehicles were apparently traveling in opposite directions near Market and Grant Streets. A passenger and driver suffered injuries, but it is not clear which vehicle they were on. Within two hours of that accident a Muni training coach crashed into a building in San Francisco's Japantown. No passengers were in the training coach and no injuries were reported as a result of this crash. Muni officials and San Francisco police are investigating both of these accidents.

I'm relieved that these two accidents did not result in serious injuries. The accident involving the training coach could have been far worse. It is indeed fortunate no one was injured there. I wish the two injured victims the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.

Series of Muni Accidents

It's hard to explain the spate of car accidents in San Francisco involving Muni vehicles over the last few months. A July train accident that occurred when a L-Taraval train rammed the rear of a K-Ingleside train near a station's boarding platform left 48 people injured. A Muni accident in which an SUV was sandwiched between two streetcars has already generated three injury claims against the city of San Francisco that could total $85,000.

In that car accident, San Francisco resident Chris Ward was driving his Nissan Pathfinder on Marker Street August 3 when he was rear-ended by a streetcar and pushed into another parked streetcar ahead. In that case, the streetcar operator was distracted by a customer who approached him at the time of the crash, officials concluded. That accident injured Ward and five others. At least seven people have filed claims in connection with the train accident in July.

California Accident Liability Issues

It's about time Muni officials reevaluate their safety procedures and the training they provide to their drivers and operators. Anyone who operates one of these vehicles must be made to undergo a mandatory refresher course so that they know how to act and how to react in various situations. The ban against the use of cell phones by these vehicle operators must be strictly enforced. It is clearly evident such distractions can be extremely dangerous.

Victims who have been injured as a result of crashes with San Francisco Muni vehicles would be well-advised to contact an experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer who will help them pursue their rights and make sure prompt action is taken. In any case that involves a California governmental agency, claims 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 source for the facts 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, please contact us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. Most of the best law firms will provide accident victims a free consultation.

We cannot fully inform any party or family member about their rights, options or the economic viability of any claim for compensation without a full investigation and consultation. We will not be conducting an investigation into this matter unless we are retained by a party. We will provide a free, confidential consultation to any, not at fault, person named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.

Bookmark and Share