San Francisco Muni Accidents: Why Are There So Many Streetcar Crashes?
Many San Francisco car accidents are caused by our streetcars, also known as light rail vehicles, or LRVs. Many people do not realize how much longer it takes streetcars to stop. There is essentially a double delay: LRV brakes do not even begin to work until a second or two after they are applied, then they stop much more slowly than a car’s brakes would.
The Primary Brake on San Francisco Cable Cars is a Pine Block
On San Francisco cable cars, the primary brake is a pine block! Many San Francisco car accidents are caused by our streetcars, also known as light rail vehicles, or LRVs. Many people do not realize how much longer it takes streetcars to stop. There is essentially a double delay: LRV brakes do not even begin to work until a second or two after they are applied, then they stop the car much more slowly than a car’s brakes would. On San Francisco streetcars, the primary brake is a pine block.
SF Muni Accident Caused By Faulty Brakes
An accident on April 6, 2010, was covered in a San Francisco Chronicle piece. The same story was picked up nationally in an Associated Press story. This accident was caused by faulty brakes on the streetcar. In this accident, the streetcar hit a bus from behind, pushing it into the streetcar, which then hit passenger cars.
Another factor in car accidents involving streetcars is the physics: since “light” rail vehicles are actually massive and heavy, they cause much more injury-producing forces at any given speed than a car would.
What is the Statute of Limitations in Filing a Muni Accident Claim?
I think people can always use another reminder about the need to act quickly in a personal injury claim involving San Francisco, or any other town or city: there is a six-month claims filing deadline. This also applies to community hospitals, such as San Francisco General Hospital, and Highland Hospital in Oakland, as well as any claims against the State of California. Anyone injured in an accident that was caused by a government-funded employee should seek a personal injury attorney promptly, so that this crucial deadline, called the statute of limitations, will not bar the claim.
Talk to an Attorney Experienced in San Francisco Muni Accidents
The San Francisco Muni accident lawyers at Callaway & Wolf are experienced with claims involving Muni buses and streetcars, including cases involving passengers on vehicles, pedestrians struck by Muni vehicles, and drivers whose cars are hit by Muni vehicles. Click now to speak with an attorney for free about your case.
Boone Callaway is a personal injury & medical malpractice lawyer in San Francisco who has been working with clients in the Bay Area for over 25 years. Mr. Callaway is one of only a few personal injury litigators in San Francisco who is a Super Lawyer, AV Rated and is also a member of ABOTA – American Board of Trial Advocates.
