Male Pedestrian Killed In Dump Truck Accident Near The University of California San Francisco
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA (October 23, 2024) -A 70-year-old male pedestrian has tragically died in a San Francisco dump truck accident by Parnassus Avenue and Stanyan Street.
San Francisco officials are saying that the accident took place around 8:45 a.m. on Tuesday. A dump truck was making a right turn when it hit the victim.
Paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victim. Despite life-saving measures, the victim died due to his injuries.
The dump truck driver allegedly did not see the pedestrian at the time of the crash. A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For San Francisco Dump Truck Accidents
Dump trucks can weigh tens of thousands of pounds and are uniquely dangerous. According to the Engineering News Record, “Serious accidents involving dump trucks and ready-mix concrete delivery trucks continue to edge up, part of a persistent, multi-industry problem with poor driving habits that has not yet responded to increased fleet and vehicle insurance premiums.” There are a number of factors that can make dump trucks dangerous.
- Dump trucks have large blind spots that may obscure the presence of pedestrians and vehicles in the roadway.
- Dump trucks can weigh tens of thousands of pounds and can be dangerous even at lower speeds.
- Dump trucks have a high ground clearance that can pull smaller vehicles and pedestrians under the grill.
Dump truck drivers have a legal obligation to take steps in order to avoid hitting pedestrians and vehicles. Many pedestrian collisions involve drivers who are speeding. According to California Vehicle Code 22350, no person operating a motor vehicle shall drive at a speed greater than what would be reasonably safe given the prevailing conditions of the roadway. If a driver fails to slow down in order to avoid hitting a pedestrian, this could form the basis of a negligence claim.
The company that owned or operated a dump truck could also be liable for a collision. Companies are generally liable for the wrongful actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. For example, a dump truck may have been delivering materials for a construction site. Several other entities could face liability if a pedestrian is killed in a collision.
A city like San Francisco could be liable for a collision if it was caused by a dangerous condition on public property. Pursuant to California Government Code 830, ““Dangerous condition” means a condition of property that creates a substantial (as distinguished from a minor, trivial or insignificant) risk of injury when such property or adjacent property is used with due care in a manner in which it is reasonably foreseeable that it will be used.” There are a number of ways that an intersection may be in a dangerous condition.
- The intersection may have missing, malfunctioning, or improperly timed street lights.
- The intersection may have been designed in such a way that it limits visibility for drivers, cyclists, or pedestrians.
- A tree or other object may obstruct traffic lights or stop signs.
The vast majority of pedestrian accidents are preventable. They tend to involve situations where drivers fail to follow safety rules. This includes situations where drivers don’t check for pedestrians before initiating turns. It has been estimated that nearly 93% of all collisions involve some amount of driver error. The family of any person killed in a truck accident may be able to seek some measure of justice through a civil claim.
Investigating San Francisco Dump Truck Accidents
We at Samer Habbas & Associates PC extend our deepest condolences to the family of the man who died in this dump truck accident near UC San Francisco. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what took place. It is our sincere hope that measures are taken to make this intersection safer.
Do you need more information about a San Francisco dump truck accident? Our team of truck accident attorneys is committed to informing victims of their rights and holding truck companies accountable for their wrongful actions. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at 949-727-9300.
