California Injury Blog
Five people were injured in a San Francisco car accident after a taxi driver ran a red light at an intersection and triggered a chain-reaction crash, The San Francisco Chronicle reports. The injury collision occurred the afternoon of April 19, 2010 at the intersection of Powell and Pine streets. An Arrow Cab ran a red light at the intersection as it traveled south on Powell Street, and struck a PT Cruiser.
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The PT Cruiser then spun out of control and struck two pedestrians on the west sidewalk of Powell Street. The cab driver, the two pedestrians and two people in the PT Cruiser were taken to the hospital. None of the injuries were life-threatening, officials said. Officials are looking into whether the cab driver was under the influence at the time. The driver is apparently an independent contractor with Arrow Cab.
My heart goes out to everyone who was injured in this car accident. I wish them all the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep them in your prayers.
San Francisco Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 35 fatalities and 3,577 injuries involving car accidents in San Francisco. Also, pedestrian accidents in San Francisco claimed 16 lives and caused 790 injuries during the same year.
Rules of the Road
If the details of this news report are accurate, it appears that the driver of the taxi may have run a red light. Running a red light is a serious traffic violation in California. There are various California Vehicle Code sections that are part of what we commonly refer to as “rules of the road.” These code sections address motorists’ behavior at intersections, especially those controlled by traffic signals. California Vehicle Code Section 21453 (a) states: “A driver facing a circular red signal shall stop at the limit line before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection or, if none, then before entering the intersection, and shall remain stopped until an indication to proceed is shown.”
Liability Issues
If the taxi driver is determined to have been at fault, he could be held liable for the accident and resulting injuries. Injured victims in such cases would be well-advised to contact an experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and make sure that the victims’ legal rights and best interests are protected. A skilled car accident lawyer will also be able to determine whether a dangerous roadway or intersection caused or contributed to the accident. If that was the case, the city or the governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway could also be held liable. Please remember that any personal injury claim against a governmental agency in California must be properly filed within 180 days of the accident or injury.
What do you think about red light cameras as a solution to deter or prevent red light running?
The Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source 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, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.