San Francisco’s public transportation system is the seventh largest in the country. The San Francisco “Muni” offers a comprehensive network of buses, light rail trains, streetcars and cable cars for riders. Although most Muni trips are completed without issue, some end in serious accidents, injuries and even deaths.
At Jacoby & Meyers, our team of local San Francisco personal injury attorneys can help you recover from a Muni accident – not only financially, but physically and emotionally, as well. Our years in the field allow us to generate bigger, better and more immediate results for our clients. Find out how we can help you today during a free consultation in San Francisco.
Why Choose Jacoby & Meyers?
- We have decades of experience handling Muni accident cases in San Francisco. Our team isn’t afraid to go up against government agencies and other powerful defendants in pursuit of maximum compensation for clients.
- With over 50 years of experience and $2 billion in settlements secured for our clients, we are the most successful law firm in California. Your Muni accident lawyer will be dedicated to getting you the best possible results for your case.
- You won’t have to pay us anything in attorney’s fees unless we win your case. Jacoby & Meyers takes Muni accident cases in the Bay Area on a contingency fee basis, with $0 charged upfront and $0 if your case does not result in a settlement or judgment.
How Can a San Francisco Muni Accident Lawyer Help?
An accident claim involving a San Francisco Muni bus, train or cable car is different from a standard car accident case in San Francisco in many ways. Rather than your claim only involving another driver, you may have to sue the government; a confusing legal process that follows an entirely unique set of rules in California.
When you hire a San Francisco Muni accident lawyer to represent you, you gain an aggressive advocate who won’t let the government or an insurance company take advantage of you. Your lawyer can evaluate your case, investigate the Muni crash, calculate your damages, determine liability, and help you file a claim against one or multiple parties.
If necessary, your lawyer will have the resources to hire medical and bus accident experts to strengthen your case. An attorney will also have the power to bring your Muni accident case to trial in San Francisco in the pursuit of justice if a settlement cannot be reached. In the meantime, you can spend your energy healing.
What Makes a Muni Accident Claim Unique?
Muni, short for the “San Francisco Municipal Railway,” refers to the network of transportation options offered to the public by the transit division of the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA). Its diverse fleet includes hybrid buses, cable cars, historic streetcars, electric trolley coaches and light rail trains.
Muni accident cases are unique because injured victims may have the right to bring claims against the government in San Francisco rather than individuals. The SFMTA is often held liable for Muni accidents caused by their employees or its own negligence. However, the SFMTA presents a powerful adversary that can be difficult for victims to go up against.
In addition, Muni accidents may involve multiple injured bus, trolley or train passengers. When an accident has multiple victims, the available insurance coverage must be divided among them. If victims have catastrophic injuries, they may struggle to collect the amount of compensation they need without legal assistance from attorneys.
Injured in a Muni Accident?
Contact Our San Francisco Muni Accident Lawyers Today
Common Causes of Muni Accidents in San Francisco, CA
Understanding your legal rights after a Muni accident in San Francisco starts with identifying the cause of your accident. In California, the “at-fault” insurance law allows accident victims to file claims against those at fault.
Top causes of accidents involving San Francisco Muni vehicles include:
- Driver and operator errors
- Distracted driving/cell phone use
- Speeding and reckless driving
- Running red lights and stop signs
- Driving under the influence
- Unsafe conditions (such as slip and fall accident risks)
- Dangerous train stations, bus stops and terminals
- Negligent security
- Inadequate vehicle maintenance or upkeep
- Poor operator hiring or training procedures
Even one moment of carelessness or negligence by a Muni operator or employee can result in a major accident. At Jacoby & Meyers, our San Francisco Muni accident attorneys can investigate to determine the cause of your wreck and identify the liable party/ies.
Who Is Liable for a Muni Accident in San Francisco, CA?
An accident and injury due to a public vehicle in San Francisco most often points to the liability of the government. The agency responsible for the vehicle must pay for harm and damages suffered by accident victims. Typically, this party is the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency.
When bringing a claim against the government in California, the victim must act much sooner than the standard two-year personal injury statute of limitations. A Notice of Intent to Sue letter must be filed with the SFMTA or government agency within just six months of the Muni accident.
Depending on the cause of the accident, third parties may also bear liability for your losses. This can include part manufacturers, vehicle maintenance crews, property owners or managers, and motor vehicle drivers. Identifying all liable parties can help you achieve a fair outcome.
Common Injuries in San Francisco Muni Accidents
Accidents on a San Francisco Muni vehicle can result in injuries to one or more victims. Injuries can range from minor scrapes and bruises to catastrophic injuries that require hospital stays and affect victims for life.
Common injuries include:
- Bone fractures
- Skull and brain injuries
- Whiplash and neck injuries
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Soft-tissue injuries
- Sprains and strains
- Lacerations
- Organ damage and internal injuries
- Fatal injuries
At Jacoby & Meyers, we pursue high settlements on behalf of our clients, but we also make sure they have everything they need to recover in other ways. Our medical case managers will make sure you get the medical care you need while our highly trained San Francisco Muni accident attorneys handle the legal side of things.
Contact Our San Francisco Muni Accident Attorneys Today
If you’ve been injured in a recent San Francisco Muni accident, you don’t have to deal with an injury claim alone. You have the right to hire the award-winning San Francisco Muni accident attorneys at Jacoby & Meyers to represent you for no out-of-pocket fees. We will provide you with access to high-quality legal and medical services to maximize your recovery in every sense of the word.
As your attorneys, we will secure the justice you deserve. Speak directly to a Muni accident attorney in San Francisco today at no cost or obligation when you contact us. Our San Francisco office can be reached directly at (415) 855-4289 anytime, day or night.