In the past, we have talked about the convoluted nature of some intersections in San Francisco, and how these complicated areas can be a factor in (or directly cause) a pedestrian or bike accident. The city is pushing forward with a few major safety plans that call for improved infrastructure, which should help. In addition, San Francisco is making a serious effort to accommodate bicyclists on city streets.
These are welcome upgrades that reduce the chance of innocent, and often unsuspecting, pedestrians suffering serious injuries in an accident. These injuries can keep them out of work for many weeks, if not months. While they recover in a hospital following surgery or lengthy rehabilitation efforts, they are racking up huge medical bills.
If the accident occurred under negligent circumstances (for example, if the driver of the vehicle was texting or intoxicated) then the victim should seek a civil lawsuit against the reckless individual. That lawsuit could earn them compensatory awards to help pay for their bills, in addition to their pain and suffering.
But those are the unfortunate side effects of bad infrastructure and negligent drivers. Not much can be done about the latter (if someone wants to be reckless, they will find a way to be reckless); but the former can be addressed. Another project is being taken on by San Francisco’s Department of Public Works to reformat the Great Highway.
The vast roadway near the beach, which boasts tremendous amounts of bike and pedestrian traffic, will receive extended bike lanes and pedestrian islands to help protect vulnerable citizens.
Source: Streetsblog, “Great Highway Re-Paving to Come With Minor Bike-Ped Upgrades,” Aaron Bialick, Jan. 17, 2013
- To learn more, please visit our San Francisco pedestrian accident page.
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