Sometimes it isn't just one driver's mistake that puts a pedestrian in danger — it's a chain reaction. That's what happened to our client, Jane Doe, as she simply waited to cross the street at the corner of Taylor and O'Farrell in San Francisco.
A Chain Reaction at a Busy Intersection
O'Farrell is a three-lane, one-way street where it meets Taylor. A Ford Taurus, driven by someone unfamiliar with San Francisco's streets, pulled up first at the red light in the far-right lane. When the light turned green, that driver made an illegal left turn across the two lanes to the left — directly into the path of a Jeep Cherokee driven by the defendant, McNulty.
McNulty was traveling in the middle lane and had been timing the traffic lights, noticing there were no cars in the far-left lane. Anticipating the light would turn green just as he crossed the intersection, he approached at 25 to 40 miles per hour. He struck the Taurus's left rear quarter panel as it turned in front of him, sending the Taurus sideways and up onto the curb.
The Taurus slid into Jane, pinning her between the car and a streetlight.
Catastrophic, Life-Altering Injuries
Jane suffered severe crush injuries to her legs. One leg was ultimately amputated as a result of the crash, an injury that permanently changed her life, from her mobility and independence to the way she moves through the world every day.
Holding the Driver Accountable
Our attorneys pursued McNulty for the role his speed and inattention to the intersection played in the crash. Rather than proceeding to trial, the case settled for policy limits — the maximum available under the applicable insurance coverage.
The Result
Jane Doe v. McNulty settled before trial for $3,000,000, providing Jane with resources to help rebuild her life after the amputation of her leg.
Case results depend on the unique facts and circumstances of each case. Past results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome in any future matter.
When Multiple Drivers Share the Blame
Intersection crashes involving pedestrians are rarely simple. When more than one driver's actions contribute to a crash — an illegal turn, excessive speed, inattention to a changing light — sorting out liability requires a careful, thorough investigation of exactly what happened and who is responsible.
If you or someone you love has been seriously injured as a pedestrian in San Francisco, our pedestrian accident attorneys can help identify every party responsible for your injuries. Contact Rouda Feder Tietjen & McGuinn today for a free consultation at (415) 940-7176.
