Two people were injured in a San Francisco car accident involving a Muni bus the morning of June 29, 2010. According to a Bay City News report, the accident occurred at the intersection of 36th Street and Balboa Street between a 31-Balboa bus and another vehicle. Two victims sustained injuries and were transported to a local hospital, but their injuries were not life-threatening. An investigation is ongoing.


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It is indeed fortunate that the two victims did not sustain major injuries. I wish them the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Car Accident Statistics and Possible Causes

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 35 fatalities and 3,577 injuries involving car accidents in San Francisco.

Based on this news report, it is not clear how or why this bus accident occurred. We also don't know if the injured victims were in the other vehicle or passengers in the bus. What we do know is that this accident occurred at a San Francisco intersection. It is possible that one of the vehicles failed to yield right-of-way to the other or ran a red light.

Laws and Liability Issues

California law requires drivers to yield right-of-way to oncoming vehicles. According to California Vehicle Code section 21800 (a): "The driver of a vehicle approaching an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle which has entered the intersection from a different highway."

Bus companies, whether they are public or private carriers, owe their passengers the highest "duty of care," which means that their greatest responsibility is the safe transport of their passengers. In this case, I trust officials are looking into who was at fault. If the bus driver was at fault, both, the driver and his employer could be held liable for the accident and injuries caused.

In such cases, it would be in the best interests of injured victims to contact an experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all facets of the accident and make sure that the negligent parties are held liable for their actions. Victims can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation, physical therapy and other related damages. Also, any claim against a California governmental entity must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury, under California law.

Do you feel safe traveling in a Muni or transit vehicle? We would like to hear your thoughts.

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.

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