San Francisco Injury Lawyer Blog

In startling new information released by the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, pedestrian and other accidents involving Muni streetcars, cable cars, and buses are increasing dramatically. As a result, Muni is searching for safety consultants, which may be too little too late for those already devastated by loss from Muni accidents. With over 300 claims just this year, Muni has paid out millions this year to crash victims, passengers and employees. . Have you or a loved one been involved in an SF Muni bus or street car accident? Then you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Please call a San Francisco attorney for help at 1-800-ALAWPRO now. To learn more about public transportation and motor vehicle accidents as well as workplace injuries, go to www.alawpro.com.

The new information from SF’s Transit agency is shocking. Pedestrian accidents have nearly doubled in the past year, while bike, car, bus, and passenger crashes are also on the rise. In addition, Muni employees are also being hurt on the job at a higher rate. In the past 3 years, 18 deaths have resulted from Muni crashes, including two deaths this year, by cable car (see our blog about a fatal cable car accident this past month) and street car. Also, bicycle and passenger accidents have seen a sharp increase. Municipal authorities concede that a culture of Muni driver aggressiveness and carelessness may be a contributing factor to the high number of accidents.

Other than needless injuries and fatalities, an additional outcome from the Muni incidents has been the large number of claims and settlements to victims of Muni-related accidents. Over $4.8 million was paid out to Muni crash and passenger victims last year alone. There were more than 300 accident-related and work compensation claims filed in 2007. Worker injury has also led to large payments, more than $17 million. This is all the more reason to get legal help immediately if you have been involved in an SF bus or streetcar accident on the street or on the job.

The new statistics from the SFMTA cite injuries and deaths resulting from (1) crashes involving pedestrians, bicycles, other vehicles (cars, vans, trucks, other Muni buses) and animals; and (2) passenger boarding and on board Muni vehicles). Here is the list of the number of Muni incidents since 2005 from the San Francisco Examiner:

Muni & Pedestrian accidents:
2005-6: 43
2006-7: 55
2007-8: 79

Muni vs. Bicycle crashes:
2005-6: 18
2006-7: 21
2007-8: 25

Muni & Auto/Van/Truck collisions:
2005-6: 1,326
2006-7: 1,229
2007-8: 1,372

Muni vs. Muni incidents:
2005-6: 43
2006-7: 43
2007-8: 54

Muni & animals accidents:
2005-6: 1
2006-7: 2
2007-8: 3

Passenger injuries/(boarding):
2005-6: 56
2006-7: 100
2007-8: 143

Passenger accidents (onboard):
2005-6: 574
2006-7: 490
2007-8: 489

If you or someone close to you has been involved in San Francisco Muni accident as an employee, passenger or crash victim, please contact a lawyer. At the Law Offices of Greenberg & Rudman LLP we offer more than 50 years legal experience in serving the injured and killed. Please call us at 1-800-ALAWPRO (1-800-252-9776) for a free and confidential initial consultation. We can help you understand your rights and learn if you are entitled to financial payment for your loss. Let us do the work and worrying for you. Please call now.