On April 16, a nanny with a toddler and a stroller was hit by a reckless driver at Chestnut Street and Laguna Street in the Marina District of San Francisco. Mily Flores was severely injured. Now, she has come to Rouda Feder Tietjen & McGuinn for legal counsel. Attorney Loren Schwartz is representing her and has filed a lawsuit on her behalf against the driver and the company he was working for at the time.
Our client was thrown several feet and suffered significant orthopedic injuries to her left ankle, knee, and hip, along with a mild traumatic brain injury. She remains optimistic and has returned to work, but she still needs continued treatment and physical therapy.
The lawsuit alleges driver Fernando Gonzalez made an unsafe turn into the crosswalk. Attorney Schwartz told KRON4, "We believe the motorist made an unsafe left turn." The case draws on witness statements, police information, and surveillance footage of the aftermath.
The lawsuit names Mr. Gonzalez and his company, Rada Homes LLC, as defendants. Under California law, a business can share responsibility when an employee causes a crash while doing the company's work. Naming every responsible party matters, especially when injuries like our client's may require years of care with steep medical costs.
At this time, the legal team of Rouda Feder Tietjen & McGuinn is still working to serve the lawsuit. Once the defendants are served, they have 30 days to file a formal response in court.
Calling Attention to Crosswalk Safety
Our client's complaint seeks compensation for her injuries, but it could have a larger influence on the City of San Francisco, too. Attorney Schwartz explained how even a well-designed intersection cannot prevent every crash, and in this case the fault lies with the motorist. He named flashing lights and a raised crosswalk among the improvements worth considering at the intersection. We hope the attention this case receives encourages city leaders to look closely at crosswalk safety and make appropriate changes citywide.
Stay Informed as the Case Moves Forward
Our thoughts are with our client as she continues her recovery. As it always is when we take on a personal injury case, we are ready to do whatever it takes to pursue justice and compensation for her. We invite you to visit our blog often for important updates about this case. And if you or someone you love was struck by a vehicle while walking in San Francisco, Rouda Feder Tietjen & McGuinn is here to help. Contact us at (415) 940-7176 to schedule a free consultation.
