San Francisco is known to be a very dangerous city for pedestrians. Tragically, another pedestrian was injured in a dangerous crosswalk in the Sunset District. The accident happened late last week at the intersection of Sunset Boulevard and Yorba Street. A 20 year old woman was walking across Sunset when she was hit and was transported to the hospital with moderate injuries. About three months ago, a man was struck and killed and a teenager was hit in two separate accidents at the same intersection.
In all three accidents, the accident victims entered the crosswalk after pushing a button to activate flashing lights to alert drivers to stop. The road has six lanes with an island in the middle. In the most recent accident, a Honda CRV failed to see the pedestrian and hit her with the front bumper. The driver claimed she didn’t see the pedestrian or the flashing lights. She was cited for failure to yield.
People who live in the neighborhood have been complaining frequently about how dangerous the intersection is. Dozens of people have been hit. A stop light is planned for 2016. After the death at the intersection a few months ago, the date for the stop light was moved up to 2015. Some people think the bus stops should be moved away from Yorba Street, because they put people in a position where they have to cross at the dangerous crosswalk.
With its great weather and beautiful scenery, San Francisco should be a wonderful place to walk. However, San Francisco is prone to pedestrian accidents and traffic nightmares, which can lead to more pedestrian accidents. California is one of the top four states for pedestrian fatalities, which make up 41 percent of U.S. pedestrian fatalities.
If you are planning on walking in the city, there are steps you can take to avoid being another statistic. First, dress in bright colors, and consider using reflective tape if you will be doing a lot of walking at night. Walk only in well-lit areas as much as possible. Cross only in crosswalks. Pay attention to cars, and don’t assume they are going to stop just because you are in a crosswalk – instead, cross the road defensively. Put your cell phone away while you are walking – inattention by a pedestrian has led to numerous pedestrian fatalities. Finally, be especially cautious between 4 p.m. and 4 a.m. Statistically, about 70 percent of pedestrian crashes occur during those times. If you’ve been drinking, take a cab or find a friend to drive you – it can be dangerous to walk while you are under the influence of alcohol.
If you are ever involved in a pedestrian accident with a motor vehicle, you may be facing serious injuries or death. If you aren’t protected by a vehicle, you can be very seriously hurt. Pedestrians who are hit by motor vehicles often suffer traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, paralysis, broken bones, cuts and bruises, and more.
At Liberty Law, Micha Star Liberty believes that pedestrians who are injured in pedestrian accidents because of the negligence of a driver should seek compensation from that driver through the legal system. Injured pedestrians may be able to recover compensation from the driver for medical expenses, pain and suffering, rehabilitation expenses, time missed from work, and more.
If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident in the Oakland – San Francisco area, call Micha Star Liberty, San Francisco personal injury attorney, at 510-645-1000 or 415-896-1000. She works extensively with injured accident victims to help them obtain the compensation they need to put their lives back together again. Call her today to learn more about how she can help.
