San Francisco Hit by Worrying Number of Pedestrian Accidents
Over the past month, San Francisco has seen a worrying number of pedestrian accidents. Local residents have noticed the increase in these collisions, and they are raising the alarm bell. It is not clear why so many pedestrian accidents have occurred within a relatively short period, but the victims need more than statistical analysis at this point. They are not just numbers – they are average people with jobs, families, and dreams. What can you do if you were hurt in a San Francisco pedestrian accident? Is it possible to take legal action alongside experienced personal injury lawyers?
San Francisco Residents Want Safer Streets
In late October of 2024, CBS News reported that San Francisco residents had become concerned about the rising number of fatal pedestrian accidents in their city. This report came after a string of deadly pedestrian accidents in the space of just three days. Despite the city being months away from the end of 2024, it has already seen more traffic-related pedestrian deaths than the entire previous year.
Some say many of these fatal crashes are caused by poorly designed roads. Others say that pedestrians are taking unnecessary risks, crossing roads outside of crosswalks, and ignoring the obvious threat of fast-moving vehicles. There are also growing concerns over “distracted walking,” and safety advocates have warned pedestrians to keep their phones in their pockets while walking on San Francisco’s dangerous streets. Whatever the case may be, every pedestrian death is a tragedy, and every death is probably preventable.
Dump Truck Strikes and Kills Pedestrian in San Francisco
About a week prior, a dump truck struck and killed a pedestrian in an accident that was almost certainly preventable. The 70-year-old resident died under unclear circumstances, but some say that he was crossing in a marked crosswalk when he was struck. Certain reports also state that the dump truck was turning at the time of the accident, implying that the pedestrian probably had the right of way.
The dump truck driver immediately stopped after the collision and cooperated with police. Authorities say that there was no indication that the driver was intoxicated. No arrests were made, and no charges were announced, but this accident is still under investigation. Days later, the San Francisco Standard ran a piece lamenting the passage of dump trucks through Parnassus Avenue, where the accident occurred.
The truth is that residents have been complaining about dump trucks in the area for years. Some say that dump trucks “loiter” in the area, blocking bus stops and crosswalks in the process. Hundreds of dump trucks pass through the area on some days, and they often use Parnassus Avenue to wait for their job sites to open. Some have even seen dump trucks driving up small side streets.
Pedestrian Dies in the Western Addition Neighborhood
At around the same time as the dump truck accident, another pedestrian died in the Western Addition neighborhood. The 35-year-old seemingly tried to cross the area of Geary Boulevard and Divisadero Street before being struck and killed. This is the second pedestrian death on Geary Boulevardin October alone, and an earlier collision on the same street ended with the death of a 94-year-old.
Like the dump truck death, this accident caused residents and safety advocates to speak out about pedestrian safety. A representative from Walk SF stated:
“We are calling on every city leader and every political candidate to prioritize safe streets today – and every day. Traffic safety affects everyone, and the city can and must do much more to protect all of us.”
Fremont Pedestrian Struck and Killed by Bus
Earlier in October, a pedestrian was struck and killed by a bus in Fremont. Police say that the pedestrian was “standing in the street” when he was struck and killed by the bus. Although there is no indication drugs or alcohol were involved, the crash remains under investigation.
Reach Out to Mary Alexander & Associates Today
If a pedestrian accident has harmed you or someone you love, don’t hesitate to contact an experienced personal injury attorney in San Francisco. With a legal representative at your side, you can pursue compensation and hold negligent drivers accountable. These collisions are occurring far too often, and we must take decisive legal action to keep our community safe. A lawsuit can help you cover medical expenses, missed wages, emotional distress, funeral expenses, and any other damages you were forced to endure. Reach out to Mary Alexander & Associates today to get started.
