Can You Sue San Francisco for Speed Bumps? The Answer May Surprise You

Most car accident lawsuits involve collisions. When these lawsuits are filed, it is almost always due to the negligence of drivers. But drivers are not the only negligent parties that can cause car accidents. Sometimes, the roads themselves are built or maintained in such a way that makes them inherently dangerous. When dangerous roads cause accidents, there is only one possible negligent party: The City of San Francisco.

Perhaps the most basic role of any government is to build roads. After all, one of the primary arguments against anarchy is “Who will build the roads?” A recent lawsuit against San Francisco shows that the government can indeed be held accountable for faulty roads – even if the issue is simply a poorly-designed speed bump. But what does this tell us about personal injury law in San Francisco? Perhaps more importantly, what can you do if you have been injured due to a dangerous road?

Speed Bump in San Francisco Injures Four People

Recently, it was reported that the City of San Francisco had been sued for a speed bump that caused at least four injuries. The real number of injured victims is probably much higher, but only four plaintiffs decided to come forward and hold the city accountable. These plaintiffs are claiming damages in excess of $100,000, claiming that they were tossed from their bikes or scooters by the excessively high speed bump. No warnings were posted, and the riders had no way to prepare for the danger ahead.

The bump was initially put in place on Clay Street and was apparently necessary to cover a faulty water leak repair. In fact, the speed bump was only in place for a total of 10 days in April. During this short time, numerous victims suffered injuries. This suggests that the City became aware of the issue and removed the bump as quickly as possible. It also shows that if the bump had stayed in place for a few weeks longer, dozens of additional victims may have been harmed.

The injuries are quite serious. One cyclist was thrown from his bike after hitting the speed bump, suffering three broken ribs and a broken collarbone. The collarbone required the insertion of a plate and six screws, meaning that the victim will probably never be the same again. Two other plaintiffs suffered broken bones, including broken elbows requiring surgery. Another person riding an electric scooter escaped fractures, although they suffered serious abrasions, bruises, and cuts.

The lawsuit points out that this specific road was a known cyclist route, and its downhill nature caused cyclists to put more weight on their front handlebars. When they hit the bump, many victims flew over the top of their handlebars due to their inability to absorb the sudden change in surface elevation. The complaint was immediately denied by the city, as representatives claimed that there was insufficient evidence to suggest that the bump actually caused the injuries.

This denial caused the plaintiffs to move ahead with a lawsuit. It is unclear whether or not their efforts will be successful, but the lawsuit highlights the fact that government agencies can, in theory, be responsible for serious accidents on our roads.

When Can I Sue Government Agencies in San Francisco?

There are many other examples of when government agencies may cause injuries in San Francisco. As long as you can prove that these agencies were negligent, you can sue them and pursue compensation for your injuries:

• Accidents Caused by Government Vehicles: Perhaps the most obvious example of government negligence is a crash caused by a government vehicle. This might be a speeding police car that causes “collateral damage” while chasing a suspect. You might be struck by a fire truck or an ambulance at an intersection. You can even sue for a collision with a mail truck.
• Accidents on Government Property: Just like any other property owner, the government has a legal responsibility to keep people safe on their premises. If you slip and fall on government property, you may have the ability to sue. For example, you might be visiting the DMV when you slip on spilled oil.
• Excessive Force: You can also sue police departments for causing injuries during arrests. While the police can get away with a considerable level of violence, there is such a thing as excessive force. If you can prove that officers acted in a negligent, reckless manner, you can receive compensation for any injuries and emotional trauma that they may have caused.
• Exposure to Toxins: Another example of government negligence involves exposure to toxins. For example, a government agency may be transporting toxic chemicals or radioactive materials through the city via trains or trucks. A crash or leak that exposes people to these hazards can easily result in lawsuits. You might also sue for tainted drinking water, for example.

These are just a few examples of injury lawsuits that may be filed against government agencies. If you feel that you were harmed by the government in any way, you should consult with a lawyer to see if a lawsuit is possible.

Where Can I Find an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney in the Bay Area?

If you have been searching for a San Francisco personal injury attorney, look no further than Mary Alexander & Associates. We know that there are many factors that can lead to car accidents in San Francisco, and sometimes the city is to blame for failing to maintain safe roads. The recent speed bump lawsuit may seem frivolous at first, but there is no denying that innocent people have been harmed.

Creating safe roads is the most basic task for any government, and failing to do this is unforgivable. With our help, you can hold the government accountable for all kinds of negligence. However, you should know that the statute of limitations is typically much shorter when you sue a government agency. This means that it is absolutely essential to get in touch with us as soon as possible and book a consultation. We will guide you toward the compensation you need and deserve. Reach out today.