Woman Died After Being Struck in Pedestrian Accident
An elderly woman was struck and killed in a pedestrian accident at one of San Francisco’s busiest intersections on Tuesday, January 10, 2023. The accident happened at about 5:50 pm at 16th Street and Valencia Street in SF’s Mission District. The city’s Medical Examiner’s Office has identified the woman as 64-year-old Wan Mei Tan.
Details of the Deadly Pedestrian Accident
According to the San Francisco Police Department, Tan was on foot at the eastern intersection of the crosswalk when she was struck by a driver trying to make a left turn. Officials said Tan suffered life-threatening injuries and was taken to San Francisco General Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. The driver stayed at the scene and cooperated with the officers. Police said they don’t believe drugs or alcohol were factors in the collision.
Dangerous Intersection with History of Fatalities
Walk San Francisco, a pedestrian advocacy group said the intersection at Valencia and 16th streets is dangerous, and two other pedestrians were injured there in the past two years. Jodie Medeiros, executive director of the advocacy group, said the intersection is an excellent example of where safety improvements could have made a difference. However, Medeiros said changes are not happening fast enough, and she is urging city officials to put traffic safety as the top priority for 2023.
Left Turns Are Significant Threats to Pedestrians
Statistics showed 40 percent of people killed in San Francisco in 2019 were struck in the crosswalk by a driver making a left turn. Some common reasons why motorists making left turns at intersections are a hazard to pedestrians include the following reasons:
- Drivers making a left turn are likelier to make it at a faster speed.
- Motorists tend to cut corners when turning left because of a wider radius than it is for a right turn.
- Visibility on a left turn is reduced because the vehicle’s frame blocks the driver’s view.
Vision Zero SF
In 2022, 19 people were killed in pedestrian collisions, and 37 died in traffic-related accidents in San Francisco, making it the city’s deadliest year since 2014.
In 2014, The City and County of San Francisco adopted the Vision Zero initiative, a road safety policy to help reduce traffic deaths on the city’s streets. The policy aims to build safety and livability into the streets while protecting the people who move about the city daily.
Vision Zero SF’s goal is to create a culture that highlights traffic safety and ensures accidents on the city’s roadways don’t result in serious injuries or death.
Loss of a Loved One in a Tragic Accident
Losing someone you love is one of the most devastating events in life. Your loved one’s death is even more excruciating, especially when it resulted from someone else’s negligence. When a wrongful death occurs due to recklessness or negligence, surviving family members have the right to recover financial compensation. While no amount of money can bring your loved one back or ease your pain, compensation and justice from a wrongful death case can help provide for you and your family’s future.
Wrongful Death Compensation for Survivors
Surviving family members may pursue financial compensation through a wrongful death claim. The recovery amount will depend on the circumstances and facts of the case. However, an experienced California wrongful death attorney can help you obtain the maximum compensation you need and deserve. Under a wrongful death action, you may be eligible to receive damages for the following:
- Costs of funeral and burial
- Expenses for end-of-life medical treatment
- Loss of income, benefits, and future financial support
- Loss of household services and companion
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages
How a Lawyer Can Help With Your Wrongful Death Claim
Wrongful death lawsuits are challenging, so it is essential to have an experienced attorney handle the claim. The negligent party’s insurance company may try to contact your family during your time of loss and use that to their advantage to settle your case quickly and offer a lowball settlement. Before signing any documents or accepting a settlement offer, consult an experienced California wrongful death lawyer. Your attorney can handle all aspects of your case, including negotiating with insurance companies and legal paperwork. At the same time, you and your family can focus on grieving and recovering from your loss.
Watch the YouTube video below for details on wrongful death claims and how an attorney can help you recover compensation.
California Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a California pedestrian accident attorney. If you were seriously injured or a family member was killed in a pedestrian accident, our experienced legal team at AutoAccident.com will advocate for your best interests. Call our law firm at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 to discuss your case with a knowledgeable accident lawyer to learn how we can help. We always offer free, friendly, compassionate advice.
Our injury lawyers are fully committed to obtaining the best possible outcome for our clients. See the results we have obtained for families affected by a loved one’s wrongful death on our Verdicts and Settlements page.
Photo by Jake Thacker on Unsplash
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