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.