Car and Auto Accidents

Garbage Truck Involved in Highway Collision in San Francisco

August 14, 2017 | Gregory J. Brod

Garbage trucks are a constant presence on city streets and highway. While they are providing a crucial civic service, these sizable vehicles are sometimes part of serious collisions.

On Thursday, August 10, a garbage truck was involved in a collision with at least one other vehicle on Interstate 280, north of Alemany Boulevard. The truck driver appears to have lost control, hit the center divider, and eventually ended up with the cab on the shoulder of southbound lane of I-280, while the trailer was in the northbound lane of I-280.

It was not immediately clear whether anyone suffered serious injuries. However, it was reported that at least one person was taken to the hospital.

Three Individuals Hit by Vehicle While Crossing the Street in Oakland

July 21, 2017 | Gregory J. Brod

Two young women and a 5-year-old boy were struck by a vehicle while walking in an Oakland crosswalk in mid-July. A surveillance video at a nearby restaurant recorded the accident that took place at the intersection of Fruitvale and Brookdale. The three entered the marked crosswalk while walking home from the bus. They noticed the vehicle, yet have stated that they thought it was far enough away that they assumed it would stop. The vehicle did not stop and directly struck the three pedestrians. The two women were thrown into the air and the toddler was dragged under the car.

Each individual survived, but is suffering from significant injuries. One of the young women has a broken pelvis and fractured leg. The other suffered chest injuries and broken ribs. The young boy is now paralyzed due to a spinal cord injury and may be in the hospital for a considerable length of time.

A Dangerous Oakland Intersection

Bus Crash on Golden Gate Bridge Harms 11 People

July 7, 2017 | Gregory J. Brod

In early July, a casino bus was in an accident with two other vehicles on the Golden Gate Bridge shortly before 1 p.m. It was a chain reaction accident. One vehicle rear-ended the other when it came to a stop at the toll plaza. The bus then rear-ended both vehicles. Eight individuals from the bus, many of whom were elderly, and three individuals from the other cars were transported to nearby hospitals with minor injuries. Luckily, no one was significantly injured in this bus-related crash. However, large passenger buses can be involved in serious and catastrophic accidents. When the bus is at fault, victims must determine what went wrong and who is liable for their injuries.

Common Causes of Bus Accidents

Whether it is a school bus, public transit bus, or a commercial passenger bus, these vehicles often get into accidents because of:

San Francisco Police Officer to Stand Trial for Hit and Run

June 26, 2017 | Gregory J. Brod

San Francisco police officer Christopher Kohrs has been charged with two felonies for a hit and run incident in North Beach that caused two men serious injuries. He will face one charge for a hit and run causing injury and one charge for a hit and run causing serious permanent injury. Allegedly, Kohrs was driving west on Broadway when he struck two men crossing the street in his 2009 Dodge Charger around 2:20 in the morning. Kohrs abandoned his car at the scene and fled. He turned himself in to the police approximately eight hours later.

California Hit and Run Law

Under California law, anyone involved in a car accident that leads to property damage, personal injury, or fatality is required to stop, provide their information, and render aid when possible. Realistically, even in a minor fender bender situation, a driver who is part of a collision should never leave the scene of the accident without fulfilling these basic requirements. If the crash caused injuries or death, then there is the additional responsibility to contact the police right away and remain there to offer information or assistance to the police and other first responders.

California Motorcycle Deaths Highlight Need for Road Safety

June 16, 2017 | Gregory J. Brod

A motorcycle driver passed away Monday, June 12 after colliding with a barrier on U.S. Highway 101 in San Francisco. The accident happened around noon near the Ninth Street off ramp after the rider failed to maneuver through a curve on the road, leading to her immediate death. It also blocked off multiple lanes of the highway for appropriately two hours.

This tragic accident highlights the need for caution and a focus on road safety for both motorcyclists and other drivers. Individuals injured in multi-vehicle or motorcycle accidents may have to seek compensation through personal injury claims. For those who lose loved ones in motorcycle crashes, wrongful death claims may be appropriate and necessary. To learn more about your rights after a motorcycle crash, contact the San Francisco personal injury attorneys of Brod Law Firm right away.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics

Street Racing Causes Accident in California

May 19, 2017 | Gregory J. Brod

In mid-May, a pair of Mustangs raced down 25th Street in Palmdale, California, when they encountered an intersection. Because the vehicles were moving so fast, they were unable to stop. One mustang lost control after the driver slammed on the brakes. It crashed on the side of the road after it crossed through the intersection. The other Mustang was hit by a Mercedes-Benz, which was crossing the intersection. The collision pushed the Mustang into a pole that split it in two. The driver was taken to the hospital in critical condition, but is expected to recover.

Individuals who are hurt in accidents caused by other people street racing have a strong case for negligence. Drivers have a duty to drive safely, obey traffic laws, and not put other motorists and pedestrians in danger. Drag racing not only breaks California law, but it clearly puts others at risk. When a street racer caused the crash that resulted in your injuries, you may have a great deal of evidence to support receiving compensation. For more information, contact a San Francisco personal injury lawyer from the Brod Law Firm.

Drag Racing in California

The Bay Area Experienced a Deadly May Day

May 3, 2017 | Gregory J. Brod

On May 1, the San Francisco Bay Area experienced at least three fatal traffic accidents between midnight and 5 in the morning. The first accident took place on Highway 880 in San Leandro, just south of Marina Boulevard. Two vehicles were part of the initial collision, though a total of four vehicles were involved. The driver of one vehicle died at the scene while another driver was taken to the hospital with major injuries. The other motorists were uninjured.

The second incident was on Highway 101 in San Francisco. A pedestrian walking within a crosswalk was hit by a motorist who lost control of his vehicle. Initial reports are that the motorist left the scene but later reported hitting the pedestrian through 911 and has been interviewed by investigators. There is no evidence that the driver was intoxicated at the time and no arrest has been made.

The third accident was also on Highway 880, but this time in Oakland. Three vehicles were involved in the crash and one of the vehicles caught on fire. Two individuals were killed, a 34-year-old man and a 4-year-old girl who was not properly restrained in a child safety seat. An initial statement by the California Highway Patrol said one of the diver’s may face charges for the unrestrained child’s death. Other passengers, including a 2-year-old girl, were hospitalized.

Big Rig Crash on Highway 160 Leads to Fire, Closes Bridge

April 28, 2017 | Gregory J. Brod

On April 24, two semi-trucks were involved in a serious crash on Highway 160, leading to a fire. The southbound truck appears to have crossed into the northbound lane on the highway, sideswiping the oncoming truck on the driver’s side. The southbound truck then went down an embankment on the side of the road and caught fire. Its truck driver may have been thrown from the vehicle and suffered serious burns. He was transported by helicopter to a Sacramento-area hospital. The northbound truck was also damaged by fire though its driver only suffered minor injuries. The crash led to a portion of the highway and Antioch Bridge being closed for a numerous hours.

Burn Injuries From Car Crashes

Vehicle accidents are one of the ways that individuals suffer burn injuries. When a single vehicle hits an object or two or more vehicles collide, a great deal of fuel, oil, and other liquids are at risk of being ignited. It only takes one small spark, possibly from a short circuit or overly hot equipment, to hit combustible gasoline or oil. This can lead to an explosion or a fire that can spread throughout the accident quickly. Fires within vehicles can move quickly due to the flammable upholstery, padding, and carpet. In 2014, there were 3,275 fire or smoke inhalation deaths in the U.S., which included 310 fatalities from vehicle crash fires. There were many more fire or smoke inhalation injuries due to vehicle crash fires.

Crash in Robin Williams Tunnel Involves Seven Vehicles

April 19, 2017 | Gregory J. Brod

A seven-vehicle crash inside Robin Williams tunnel, a busy commuter route between the North Bay and San Francisco, backed up commuter traffic to Marin on April 18. The accident occurred shortly before 8:30 a.m. and involved a collision between a Ford SUV, a BMW, a motorcycle, and multiple other vehicles. It is unknown why the collision occurred at this time. At least one person was reported injured and emergency medical personnel responded to the scene. No fatalities have been reported and the accident remains under investigation.

This size of a crash inside the busy tunnel is a strong reminder to commuters regarding safety in heavy traffic and enclosed spaces. If you were injured in a similar accident, do not hesitate to reach out to the San Francisco personal injury lawyers of Brod Law Firm. We can review your situation and advise you on the best way to seek compensation for your injuries.

Driving Safely Through Tunnels

DUI-Related Crash Causes Deadly Vehicle Fire on Highway 280

April 10, 2017 | Gregory J. Brod

On Sunday April 9, a deadly crash occurred in San Jose. Around 2:30 a.m., the driver of a Lexus appears to have been speeding and lost control of the vehicle on Highway 280, colliding into another vehicle, which rolled over. The Lexus then hit a Honda, which caught fire. The injured driver of the Honda was unable to escape, despite many other motorists attempting to pull the driver from the vehicle. The driver of the Lexus and the passenger were taken to the hospital for treatment and are expected to survive. The Lexus driver is currently under investigation for a DUI.

Vehicle fires as a result of collisions, mechanical failures, and other issues often result in injuries and fatalities. If you lost a loved one in a vehicle fire, contact the San Francisco wrongful death attorneys of Brod Law Firm to learn about your legal rights and options to recover compensation.

Vehicle Fires in the U.S.