Willa Henderson, Mary Henderson, Both of Vero Beach, Florida, Died In SoMa, San Francisco Car Accident Involving Yellow Taxi Cab By The Intersection of 3rd Street and Mission Street
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA (May 23, 2022) – Two women identified as Willa Henderson and Mary Henderson, of Vero Beach, Florida, were killed in a SoMa, San Francisco car accident after yellow taxi went onto a sidewalk by 3rd Street and Mission Street.
San Francisco police officials are saying that the accident took place around 4:40 p.m. on Sunday in the SoMa neighborhood. A yellow taxi cab was involved in a collision with a Mercedes.
The force of the collision caused the yellow taxi to drive onto the sidewalk where it struck Willa Henderson and Mary Henderson. Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victims who were pinned underneath the taxi.
Sadly, both Willa Henderson and Mary Henderson were beyond medical aid and pronounced dead at the scene. A male pedestrian was also injured and taken to a hospital in order to receive treatment.
The driver of the yellow taxi and the Mercedes both remained at the scene and cooperated with police. A full investigation into the SoMa collision remains ongoing at this time.
In an update to this case, the two women who died were identified as a mother and daughter who were in town to attend a wedding.
Liability In San Francisco Taxi Accidents
San Francisco has a high density of vehicles and pedestrians. This has inevitably led to many pedestrian collisions. According to data from San Francisco’s city government, since 2014 there has been a modest decrease in the number of pedestrian collisions every year. This is due in part to the “Vision Zero” policy city officials have implemented. Vision Zero is a policy initiative that vows to eliminate traffic fatalities through education, enforcement and infrastructure redesign.
- Accidents can be reduced by police officers who heavily enforce traffic violations likely to lead to collisions.
- Accidents can be reduced by studying which intersections and roads have the most collisions.
- Accidents can be reduced by redesigning roads and intersections to make them safer for drivers and pedestrians.
A survey of Berkley’s Transportation Injury Mapping System (TIMS) shows that accidents are not spread out evenly throughout San Francisco. A disproportionate number of collisions tend to happen in high density areas such as Tenderloin and SoMa. This is why it is so important for both pedestrians and drivers to be alert when traveling through these areas. In particular, elderly pedestrians and young children tend to be at the highest risk of being involved in collisions.
There may be numerous liable parties for any San Francisco pedestrian accident. A taxi driver could be held at fault if they committed a traffic infraction. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 21801, the driver of any vehicle intending to turn left or complete a U-turn must yield the right of way to any vehicle traveling from the opposite direction close enough so as to pose a hazard. If a taxi driver was working at the time of a collision, their employer could face vicarious liability for the collision.
The city of San Francisco could also potentially be liable for a pedestrian accident if it was caused by a dangerous condition with the roadway. According to California Government Code 835, a government entity could be liable for a dangerous condition with their property provided that (1) the dangerous condition existed prior to the collision and (2) the city knew (or should have known) about the existence of the dangerous condition. There are a number of ways that an intersection could be in a dangerous condition.
- The intersection may have lacked adequate traffic signs or traffic lights.
- The line-of-sight at the intersection may be obstructed by foliage, buildings or objects.
- The traffic signals at an intersection may have a history of malfunctioning.
The family of any pedestrian that died in a car accident may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. Damages can help cover lost wages, medical bills and funeral costs. Sadly, though, taxi corporations and insurance companies will often fight hard to deny any responsibility for any accident. This is why it is so important that evidence is properly preserved after any accident. A pedestrian safety advocate can examine the unique facts of your case free of cost and get to the bottom of what contributed to any collision.
Investigating A San Francisco Taxi Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the families of Willa Henderson and Mary Henderson. It is our sincere hope that the man who was injured will be able to make a full recovery. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what happened for the sake of the victims and their families. City officials should consider measures to help make this location safer.
Do you need more information about a SoMa pedestrian collision? Our team of pedestrian safety advocates are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
