Wednesday, December 30, 2009

New Year's Eve Most Dangerous Day For Pedestrians

Recent studies, according to the New York Times, show that New Year's Eve is the single most deadliest day for pedestrians in the United States.

More pedestrians are killed on the first day after New Year's Eve, typically people walking home after a night of celebration, than any other day of the year. A large portion of pedestrian injuires and deaths occur due to intoxication, including intoxicated drivers and intoxicated pedestrians.

It is relevant to note that, simply because a pedestrian may be intoxicated, a pedestrian still has the right of way and does not give up rights against negligent drivers who cause injury or death.

At Matiasic Roth & Johnson, LLP, we wish everyone a safe and Happy New Year.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Bicyclist Hit By San Francisco School Bus

A 24 year old San Francisco resident suffered personal injuries when he was hit by a school bus in the Richmond District. This bicycle accident occured at the intesection of California and 24th Ave.

This accident is just one of numerous examples in which pedestrians and bicyclists are endangered in the City of San Francisco. Too often drivers in The City forget that pedestrians have the right-of-way, and that bicyclists are to be considered as any other vehicle. In a City considered the second most dangerous in the Country for pedestrians, it is quite apparent bicyclists are equally at risk for personal injuries from automobile accidents.

Friday, December 11, 2009

Pedestrian Killed In Sacramento Thursday Night

A 29 year-old pedestrian was killed Thursday night when she was crossing Riverside Blvd., near Ashore Way. The pedestrian, a Sacramento resident, was crossing the street with a friend when she was struck and killed by a Jeep Cherokee traveling southbound.

The victim's identity was not released pending notification of relatives. The victim's friend was not injured in the accident.

This pedestrian accident took place in a primarily residential neighborhood which lacks crosswalks at numerous intersections.

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Motorist Killed on 280

In the early morning of December 8, 2009, a motorist traveling was struck and killed by another vehicle after exiting his vehicle. The motorist, a 58 year-old San Francisco resident, was traveling on northbound on Interstate 280 when his 1996 Toyota Tacoma struck a bean bag chair in the fast lane. Apparently, the bean bag chair is another example of trucks and truck drivers failing to properly secure items being hauled or moved causing injuries and the wrongful death of a motorist.

In this instance, the bean bag chair disabled the San Francisco residents truck. He apparently exited the vehicle to remove the bean bag chair when he was struck and killed by another motorist. Any witnesses related to this accident are encouraged to contact the San Francisco Police Department or the California Highway Patrol.

As in many of these type of situations, the driver transporting the bean bag could be responsible for the wrongful death of the San Francisco resident.

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Three Children Injured By Vehicle On Campus

Three children were injured when they were struck by a car on the Skyline Elementary School Campus. According to the San Mateo County Times, a 75 year-old driver was attempting to park his car when he lost control, jumped the curb and drove up a sidewalk and ramp leading to a classroom. One of the young girls injured in the accident suffered injuries requiring surgery. The school, in response to the accident, is reviewing its safety policies and procedures and will be adding a chainlink fence. There has been no mention why safety precuations were not in place prior to this accident given the events at Ralston Intermediate School in 2007.

Two years ago a similar accident occurred in Belmont, California, at Ralston Intermediate School. In that accident, a 70 year-old driver driving an SUV jumped a curb striking a dozen students.

Thursday, December 3, 2009

4 Injured In San Francisco Cable Car Accident

The San Jose Mercury News and San Francisco Chronicle reported that four persons, including two passengers, the grip man, and conductor, were injured on one of San Francisco's Cable Cars.
The historic cable cars are operated by MUNI (San Francisco Municipal Transportantion Agency). This is one of a string of MUNI accidents resulting in injuries to passengers.

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Caltrans Worker Killed By Van on Highway 99

It is with great sadness that we learned of the death of a 27 year veteran of Caltrans, Donald Lichliter, 53. According to the Associated Press, Mr. Lichliter was working with a maintenance crew on Highway 99 near Lodi when he was struck by a van. The accident happened around 2p.m.

This tragic accident highlights the inescapable fact that pedestrian accidents unfortunately are not limited to urban areas. In 2007, over 640 pedestrians lost their lives in traffic accidents in the State of California underscoring that all pedestrians are at risk.

Friday, July 17, 2009

SUV Strikes Pedestrian, Fire Hydrant in Scotts Valley

On Thursday, July 16, 2009, a red Chevy Blazer jumped a curb, careened into a pedestrian and severed a fire hydrant in Scotts Valley, California. The accident occurred at the intersection of Mt. Hermon Road and Spring Lakes Drive during rush hour traffic. According to the San Jose Mercury News, the driver was apparently caught in the intersection when he stepped on the gas, jumped the curb, and plowed into the innocent pedestrian who apparently was walking on the sidewalk with her boyfriend.

While the nature and extent of the injuries to the pedestrian are not yet known, at least one victim was transported from the scene via air ambulance. According to the pedestrian accident specialists at Matiasic Roth & Johnson LLP, the most common causes of pedestrian accidents of this nature include driver inattentiveness, driver confusion, and aggressive driving.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Orange County Teenager Injured In Pedestrian Accident

A 14-year-old boy was critically injured in a pedestrian accident in Fountain Valley, CA after he was struck by a pickup truck on Saturday, July 11, 2009. The Orange County Register reported that the pedestrian accident occurred at the intersection of Ellis Avenue and Euclid Street. The injured pedestrian was apparently struck by a vehicle traveling in the fast lane proceeding south on Euclid Street.

This accident underscores the need for drivers to utilize the utmost care on the road. Incidents wherein pedestrians are being hit by trucks are becoming more frequent each year.

Matiasic Roth & Johnson LLP launches new website

Our law firm is pleased to announce the creation of an informational and resourceful website for individuals who have been injured in a pedestrian accident. click here to visit our San Francisco Pedestrian Accident website.