An elderly man sustained injuries in a San Francisco car accident after he was struck by a taxicab at a local intersection. According to a Bay City News report, the injury collision occurred the morning of July 26, 2010 at the intersection of Post and Taylor streets. The taxi driver remained at the scene of the accident. The extent of the pedestrian's injuries is not known. He is expected to survive. An investigation is ongoing.

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My heart goes out to the elderly pedestrian who was injured. I hope he did not suffer major injuries and pray that he recovers quickly and completely.

San Francisco Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 16 deaths and 790 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in San Francisco. Also, in the city, 35 people died and 3,577 were injured as a result of car accidents during the same year.

Pedestrian Right-of-Way Issues

Based on this news report, it appears that the pedestrian was walking across the street at the intersection, but it is not clear if he was in a marked or unmarked crosswalk. California law requires motorists to yield right-of-way to pedestrians who are walking in marked or unmarked crosswalks.

California Vehicle Code section 21950 states: "The driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection." The same section also states that the driver of a vehicle approaching a pedestrian within any marked or unmarked crosswalk "shall exercise all due care and shall reduce the speed of a vehicle or take any other action relating to the operating of the vehicle as necessary to safeguard the safety of the pedestrian."

Fault and Liability

I trust officials are also looking into whether the driver of the taxicab was under the influence, distracted or driving recklessly at the time. If he is determined to have been at-fault, both the driver and his employer could be held liable for the pedestrian's injuries. Injured victims in such cases can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation and other related damages. An experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer will be able to advise injured victims and their families about their legal rights and options in such cases.

A skilled car accident lawyer will also be able to determine whether a dangerous condition on the roadway caused or contributed to this collision. If that was the case, the city or governmental entity responsible for maintaining that roadway could also be held liable. Please remember that any personal injury claim against a governmental entity in California must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury.

What are some tips you would offer to pedestrians who are crossing a busy intersection?

None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.