Muni & Cable Car Accident Attorneys in San Francisco
Public transportation is a key part of daily life in San Francisco, with Muni buses and our iconic cable cars operated by the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) carrying thousands of people every day. However, accidents happen, and when they do, the consequences can be serious. You may be dealing with physical injuries, emotional trauma, medical bills, and lost wages that disrupt your life. At Callaway & Wolf, we understand how overwhelming this can be.
Callaway & Wolf is dedicated to representing victims of cable car and Muni accidents throughout San Francisco. Whether you were injured while riding, walking nearby, or driving in the vicinity, we are here to hold the responsible parties, including the SFMTA, accountable and ensure you get the compensation you need to recover.
This page outlines how our lawyers in San Francisco can step in to support you if the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) or other responsible parties have failed to meet their obligations. We are committed to helping you receive the justice and financial compensation you’re entitled to across San Francisco, CA.
Muni & Cable Car Accident Law Firm Serving All Courts in San Francisco, California
Callaway & Wolf is a San Francisco law firm that understands how a cable car or Muni accident can completely disrupt your life. You may be dealing with severe injuries, emotional distress, costly medical bills, and lost income. Callaway & Wolf can be part of the team that helps you recover and get your life back on track.
Callaway & Wolf is dedicated to representing victims of cable car and Muni accidents across San Francisco, including those involving the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA). Our office is conveniently located at 1388 Sutter St., Suite 1010, San Francisco, CA 94109, and we serve clients throughout the city.
If you or a family member were seriously injured due to the negligence or actions of those responsible, contact Callaway & Wolf by calling 415-541-0300 to schedule a risk-free, no-obligation consultation. We are here to support you through this challenging time.
RESULTS:
We recently earned $5.25 million for the family of a 69-year-old woman who was fatally injured when she was hit by a bus while crossing the street in Albany. You can also read about another case where we secured a $352,000 jury verdict against the City of San Francisco for a brain injury from a electric municipal bus.
Recent Review:
“Mr. Boone Callaway is a very personable attorney and was more than I can every expect from an attorney. He called often to see what my condition was and most important making sure I got the best compensation for my accident. He is will worth the fee he charges and more!” – Daryl N.
Google Verified Review
San Francisco Muni & Cable Car Accidents: A History
There is a long history of San Francisco Muni injury accidents which have cost San Francisco dearly. Channel 4 news reported in a story that Muni paid out $56 million over a five year period–2005-2009. In addition to electric and diesel busses, SF’s Muni operates streetcars or LRVs, and cable cars. Both the streetcars and the LRVs have long stopping distances, resulting in higher accident rates. For cable cars, the primary brake is a pine wood block. LRVs have a more sophisticated braking system, but there is a delay between the time the operator hits the brake and the time the car begins slowing down.
Muni & Cable Car Accident Cases
San Francisco’s Muni agency owes its passengers the highest duty of care, as California law holds “common carriers” to a higher legal standard than individuals transporting others. As San Francisco taxpayers, we all end up footing the bill for Muni accidents, one way or another. This in turn provides a challenge in bringing Muni accident cases before juries, as jurors realize that determining that the victim is entitled to a large sum will come from San Francisco city funds, which will detract from the San Francisco’s ability to provide services.
Claims Against Muni
Another challenge in San Francisco Muni injury cases is that there is no insurance for these claims. San Francisco is “self-insured,” meaning that the City simply pays any claims, rather than buying insurance. While San Francisco has the funds to pay all claims, it handles injury claims much differently than an insurance carrier would. Insurance companies, even non-profit ones, are much more responsible for the “bottom line,” and try to cut their losses. The insurance companies have an incentive to avoid incurring attorney’s fees and litigation costs. But the city of San Francisco has no profit/loss responsibility, and has an office full of attorneys on salary. These lawyers have a remarkable degree of discretion in which cases they wish to settle, and which they want to fight, so whether or not any given SF Muni accident case settles may be heavily influenced by which “deputy city attorney” happens to be assigned to the case.
Muni Settlement Approval Period
Once a settlement is reached in a San Francisco Muni accident case, there is a waiting period for that settlement to be approved by the Board of Supervisors. Board approval is routine, but this phase can take months. After Board approval, it can take additional weeks or months for the City to issue payment.
Contact a Muni Accident Attorney
If you or someone you know has been injured in a Muni accident, request a free consultation by calling 415-541-0300 to speak to a San Francisco Muni & cable car accident attorney at Callaway & Wolf.
