Do you Have a case? Call Today! 415-404-6395
In 2014, a San Francisco jogger died after being hit by a Golden State Transit bus. It struck her while she was in a crosswalk. The jogger had a green light and a “walk” sign. She had the right-of-way. Ultimately, there was a $4 million against the Golden State Transportation District for wrongful death.
The case of Lori Helmer gives us some idea of how cases like this, and other injuries arising from similar circumstances, play out.
Mrs. Helmer’s son brought a wrongful-death lawsuit against the transportation district and a jury found the bus driver completely at fault for her death. But the case did not end after the jury trial. The transportation district filed a motion for a new trial in an attempt to determine Helmer’s negligence in the situation. They were denied and a subsequent appeal they file was also rejected.
Even though Lori Helmer had the right-of-way and did nothing wrong, the case was still fought by the side that was at fault.
If you’ve been injured in a similar situation, or have a loved one who has been killed, you may need a wrongful death or personal injury attorney in San Francisco. At Allegiance Law, we are here to help you.
The death of Lori Helmer is by no means the only type of injury that can occur due to the negligence of transportation authorities or even local governments. Maybe you had to jump out of the way of a taxi that was going to fast for conditions, or worse, were hit by a bus or taxi while walking.
Hopefully, any injury you incur is not major. However, regardless of how minor your injury may seem, it needs to be reported. Any time you are injured, you need to seek medical attention and ensure a police report is filed.
If your case involved a transit or municipal authority, you need to know that they have insurance for cases like this. You should also know that they will avoid making claims if they can. Shortly after an accident is reported, you will likely receive a call from their insurance company asking for your side story. They may even ask you for your medical records. Sometimes, they will even try to make you feel like you did something wrong.
Do not speak to them before you learn what your rights are and have your case evaluated. You will only hurt your case.
If you have been injured, or a loved one has been killed, due to the negligence of a transit or municipal authority, you need to contact a personal injury or wrongful-death attorney in San Francisco. At Allegiance Law, we understand that you may be overwhelmed by the accident as well as pressure from the other side’s insurance company. We will help you understand your rights as well as the process to bring a lawsuit. We will offer you a free consultation so you can make the best choices moving forward. You can contact us by clicking here or calling 415-404-6395.
Posted in Pedestrian Accident, Personal Injury