Two Tragic Pedestrian Accidents Shock San Francisco

San Francisco remains one of the most dangerous American cities for pedestrians.  Crowded streets, distracted drivers and unsafe intersections are some of the factors that contribute to the dangerous situation facing San Francisco’s pedestrians.  These dangers were put on full display this week after two back-to-back tragic pedestrian accidents shocked the San Francisco Bay Area. 

The first accident occurred on Saturday August 11, 2012 in the Tenderloin District.  A 38-year-old San Francisco resident named Edmund Capalla was killed after he was struck by a Taxi.  According to published reports, the taxi driver blew a red light before striking the victim and another car.  This is a tragic reminder that aggressive driving puts all pedestrians at risk.  After the collision, the victim was transported to San Francisco General Hospital where he later died.  At Matiasic Roth & Johnson LLP our thoughts and prayers are with the victim’s family.

The wrongful death of a loved one is traumatic experience for any family to endure.  Our experienced trial lawyers understand that no amount of financial compensation can bring back a lost loved one.  However, we remain committed to making all responsible parties pay for their negligence and helping families recover from tragic pedestrian accidents. 

Tragically, a second pedestrian accident occurred nearby only a few days later.  This accident occurred shortly after midnight on August 15, 2012 on Market Street.  According to preliminary reports, a 39-year-old man was crossing the 2100 block of Market Street when he was struck by a dark-colored sedan.  San Francisco Police Department investigators are still searching for the driver who did not stop after striking the pedestrian.  The victim was taken to San Francisco General Hospital with life-threatening injuries.  At Matiasic Roth & Johnson LLP we wish the victim a complete recovery. 

These avoidable accidents highlight the dangers facing Bay Area pedestrians.  The trial lawyers of Matiasic Roth & Johnson LLP specialize in fighting on behalf of victims of pedestrian accidents.  If you or a loved one have experienced a pedestrian accident call our office for a free consultation with one of our experienced pedestrian accident attorneys.              

Tragic Santa Rosa Bicycle Accident Claims One Life

A tragic accident occurred in Santa Rosa on July 31, 2012, at approximately 7:00 a.m.  According to published reports, a cyclist was riding westbound down a steep hill near the intersection of Fountain Grove Parkway and Thomas Lake Harris Drive when he was struck by a Chevrolet pickup truck.  The cyclist has been identified as 37-year-old Ruben Hernandez from Modesto.  Tragically, Mr. Hernandez was pronounced dead at the scene.  At Matiasic Roth & Johnson LLP our thoughts and prayers are with the victim and his family. 

The driver of the pickup truck has been identified as 22-year-old Adam Bigham of Sebastopol.   The Sonoma County District Attorney’s Office is investigating to determine if any criminal charges will be filed as a result of this accident.  A Sonoma Police Sergeant made a statement that indicated that Mr. Bigham made a left-hand turn directly into the path of the cyclist and other traffic.  Sadly, this avoidable accident appears to have been caused by driver inattention. 

Inattentive drivers are a danger to cyclists, pedestrians, and other motorists.  Some common bicycle accident scenarios involving inattentive drivers include:  “dooring” cyclists when failing to look before opening a car door, unsafe lane changes, failing to look when travelling through intersections and cellphone usage.  Fatal and severe accidents can occur whenever a driver’s attention is not completely focused on the roadway.

The compassionate bicycle accident attorneys of Matiasic Roth & Johnson LLP understand the stress and emotion that families experience after losing a loved one in a fatal bicycle accident.  We are committed to helping victims and their families rebuild their lives following traumatic accidents. 

Our experienced trial lawyers never back down from a fight on behalf of our clients regardless of whether the responsible party is a negligent motorist, a vehicle or auto-part manufacturer, or a government entity.  We are committed to helping victims and their families while making responsible parties pay for their negligence.  If you or loved one have experienced a bicycle or pedestrian accident call Matiasic Roth & Johnson LLP today for a free consultation.