Safety Concerns Continue for San Francisco BART Passengers
When BART was first introduced in the Bay Area, it was hailed as a major success for public transit. Suddenly, people from all walks of life were able to travel easily from one side of the greater San Francisco area to the other. But as the years go by, serious safety issues are emerging. This rapid transit system is only beneficial if people actually feel safe riding it. And due to a number of issues in recent years and months, there is a growing sense that you would be better off avoiding this public transit system entirely. People are being attacked regularly, and the number of arrests within a single month is astounding. In addition, trains continue to crash, raising even more questions. But what can you do if you were injured while riding the BART system?
One option is to get in touch with a personal injury attorney in San Francisco. Legal professionals like Mary Alexander & Associates can assess your situation and determine the best route forward. This may involve suing the government agency responsible for administering the BART. This lawsuit can provide you with compensation for medical expenses, missed wages, and any other damages you may have incurred. Perhaps more importantly, it helps send a message that average San Francisco residents are not willing to put up with these hazards any longer.
Man Attacks BART Passengers With Cleaver
On May 10th, it was reported that a man with a meat cleaver attacked a BART passenger in an attempt to steal the victim’s backpack. The perp was later arrested, but the attack caused mayhem on the yellow-line train. The incident occurred as the train was traveling between stops in the Oakland area, causing all of the passengers to rush to one side of the train in an effort to get away from the knife-wielding suspect. The victim suffered slash injuries but made a full recovery.
The irony is that this attack occurred just days after the Bay Area Council promised to take “more aggressive action” to keep BART safe, as residents have been voicing their concerns about these kinds of attacks for years. While police officers on the transit system have doubled in recent years, attacks continue without any sign of slowing down. Recent studies have shown that during the past few years, there were well over 1,000 grand larcenies committed on the BART line annually. Rapes, assaults, and other violent crimes are also proving to be common.
On May 30, 2023, BART reported an average of 260 arrests each month over the spring period (March-April). Police and board representatives concluded that safety concerns are causing people to avoid BART entirely and that ridership is not projected to return to pre-pandemic levels as a result. A few notable arrests were highlighted by police, including several assaults targeting women.
BART Train Crashes With Pickup Truck, Causing Three Injuries
Even if you can look past the safety concerns associated with BART, it is hard to ignore the crashes. On May 16, 2023, it was reported that three people were injured when a BART train collided with a pickup truck in Oakland. The truck had apparently crashed through the fence before becoming stuck on the tracks when the collision occurred. The train operator was hospitalized as a result of this crash. One passenger was also injured, and the driver of the pickup was treated for injuries. This pickup driver was subjected to a sobriety test, although it is not clear whether they passed. This is not the first time a BART train has crashed, and it probably will not be the last.
Suing for BART Injuries
If you have been hurt by a violent criminal while riding BART, you may have the opportunity to file what is known as a “negligent security” lawsuit. When you file this type of lawsuit, you hold a property owner or manager accountable for allowing violent crimes to take place. This type of lawsuit is only possible if you can show that the property owner knew or should have known about a serious risk to members of the public from criminals known to frequent the property.
In the case of BART attacks, the property owner is the government, and there is an obvious, clear pattern of violence on these premises that demands immediate attention. One might argue that by increasing the police presence on the trains, the government agency is responding in the best way possible. But if people continue to be harmed, these solutions are not working. At a certain point, the government must assume responsibility and liability for the injuries that are occurring on BART premises.
It is not worth suing the criminal directly in these cases because criminals generally do not have the finances to pay for your medical bills and missed wages. On the other hand, a government agency has a near-limitless supply of taxpayer funds with which to pay out settlements.
If you have suffered an injury due to a BART train crash, you may also have the opportunity to file a claim and receive compensation. Speak with a lawyer to receive targeted legal advice based on your unique situation.
Where Can I Find a Qualified Personal Injury Attorney in San Francisco?
If you have been searching for a personal injury attorney in San Francisco, look no further than Mary Alexander & Associates. With our assistance, you can strive for the best possible results and seek justice for the damages you have incurred due to negligent government agencies. Those responsible for overseeing BART have a legal responsibility to ensure the safety of passengers. If they fail in this duty of care, you are fully entitled to hold them accountable. Book your consultation with us today, and you can start exploring your legal options. Remember, internet research can only get you so far – and the statute of limitations may prevent lawsuits if you wait too long. Reach out today.
