Shocking Recent Examples of Negligent Driving in San Francisco

Negligent drivers have the potential to cause irrevocable harm to victims and their families in San Francisco. Judging by the recent number of shocking crashes in the city, it seems as though these reckless drivers are all too common on our roads. While a personal injury lawsuit may provide compensation for injured plaintiffs, nothing can ever take back the pain and trauma of a lasting disability. And of course, no amount of money can return those who have lost their lives in accidents caused by negligent drivers.

That being said, taking action after a crash sends a clear message that this is not acceptable. When you work alongside a qualified personal injury attorney in San Francisco to pursue justice, it may also feel easier to achieve a sense of closure after a traumatic crash. The following stories illustrate just how reckless drivers have become in San Francisco.

Drunk Driver Strikes Five Pedestrians Before Causing a Second Crash

On September 11, 2023, it was reported that a drunk driver in San Francisco struck no fewer than five pedestrians. It was only after the driver caused a second crash that he was apprehended by police. Prior to tracking down the suspect, police arrived at the first crash site to find five victims suffering from injuries caused by vehicle impacts. Four of these victims suffered injuries that were so serious that they required immediate hospitalization.

Moments later, these same officers received word that a second accident had occurred just two blocks away. Racing to the scene, they found the drunk driver whom they suspected had hit the pedestrians. He was subsequently arrested and charged with DUI causing injury. Unfortunately, this particular area of San Francisco seems to have become a magnet for hit-and-runs, and Mission Street has seen many of these incidents within the past few years.

Four-Year-Old Struck and Killed While Mother Tried to Cross Road

In August of 2023, it was reported that a 4-year-old child was killed after her mother attempted to push her in a stroller across a particularly dangerous crosswalk in San Francisco. This is none other than the crossing at King and 4th, which has garnered an infamous reputation among pedestrians. For San Francisco residents, using this particular crosswalk is like taking your life into your own hands – and pedestrians making “mad dashes” across the road is a common sight.

In addition to the child, two other pedestrians were struck. First responders were quick to arrive on the scene, but it proved too late to save the toddler. The incident was particularly traumatic for almost everyone involved, including both first responders and eyewitnesses. The driver who struck the child is a 71-year-old woman who stayed at the scene. After an investigation, she was arrested and charged with failing to yield to pedestrians and vehicular manslaughter. The crash apparently occurred at a relatively low rate of speed, and the main issue seems to have been failure to yield while turning.

Australian Racer Faces Manslaughter Charges for Fatal Crash

On September 14, it was reported that an Australian national who allegedly caused a fatal accident in San Francisco was out on bail. The individual in question is apparently a professional race car driver, and he was involved in a head-on collision on September 1. The collision killed the two elderly people in the other vehicle. The police report clearly indicates that this Australian driver was at fault.

Not only was he allegedly speeding at a rate of up to 60 miles per hour, but he was also driving in the wrong lane. For those who do not know, Australians drive in the left lane instead of the right lane, which somewhat explains this grossly negligent mistake. It is also reported that the Australian national may have become confused by road closures on Highway 84, which is where the accident took place. Apparently, a lane closure forced him to move into the left lane, and when he passed the closure he forgot to move back into the correct lane. Needless to say, there is some dispute about many of these crucial details. This incident will undoubtedly be explored during both the criminal case and a potential wrongful death lawsuit.

Cyclist Killed in Hit-and-Run Accident

On September 8, it was reported that a pedestrian was struck and killed by a driver in Hayward. After the collision, the driver seems to have fled the scene. Family and friends of the cyclist are demanding justice. Eyewitnesses say that the car was “clearly speeding” at the time of the accident, and they have made this known to the authorities. However, there is no guarantee the driver will ever be located. This is not the first time a cyclist has been struck and killed in the San Francisco area, and it is almost certainly not the last.

Pedestrian Struck and Killed by Pickup Truck

On August 25, it was reported that a pedestrian was struck and killed on Highway 101 by a pickup truck. Very few additional details were provided, other than the fact that the pedestrian was confirmed to be deceased as soon as first responders arrived at the scene. It may have been that the pedestrian was crossing the road outside of a crosswalk. However, California’s pure comparative negligence system could technically allow the family of this pedestrian to sue under certain circumstances.

Where Can I Find a Qualified Personal Injury Attorney in San Francisco?

 If you have been searching for a qualified personal injury attorney in San Francisco, look no further than Mary Alexander & Associates. Over the years, we have guided numerous plaintiffs toward positive outcomes, including those whose lives have been irrevocably changed by car accidents. We know that aside from the aforementioned reports, there are countless additional crashes that happen every week in San Francisco. Many of these are caused by negligent drivers, and victims can hold these at-fault parties accountable. Book your consultation today to determine the most appropriate course of legal action.