Bicyclist Killed in Crash With San Francisco Garbage Truck

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This morning an unidentified male bicyclist was killed in a collision with a San Francisco garbage truck in the Mission District. Shortly before 7:00 a.m. a Recology garbage truck was traveling along side the bicyclist when the driver attempted a right turn, striking the cyclist. Apparently the driver did not immediately realize he had caused an accident and continued down the street until he was hailed by people to stop.

As personal injury attorneys serving the San Francisco are, we are deeply saddened by any event that threatens the safety of the city’s bicyclists and pedestrians. People who travel on foot or by bike or motorcycle are far more likely to be seriously injured in a traffic accident with a car or truck. They can be easily overlooked in a blind spot when a driver is not paying careful attention to his or her surroundings. It is likely that this is what occurred in here.

“As drivers, we need to actively check blind spots – not just for other cars – but also for motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians. Awareness should be heightened in busy urban areas.”

Large trucks in particular are known to limit the range of vision, and require extreme caution and attentiveness to maneuver. This holds especially true in urban areas like the Mission District where streets can be narrow and drivers can expect to share the roads with bicyclists and pedestrians.

In this instance the bicycle was caught under the truck and dragged for a block. The rider, who is said not to have been wearing helmet, passed away at the scene. Our condolences to all the family and friends he leaves behind.

Recology provides various garbage disposal, recycling, and composting services to municipalities in California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington.

Let’s take this opportunity to remember how important it is to share the road. As drivers, we need to actively check blind spots – not just for other cars – but also for motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians. Awareness should be heightened in busy urban areas. Visit our website for additional information on bicycle accidents in California.

San Francisco Injury Attorney Discusses New Concussion Legislation for Youth Athletes

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West Virginia U.S. Senator Jay Rockefeller’s involvement in youth sports communities and activities has lead him to promote and sponsor new federal legislation that will change the safety standards in sports equipment for young people. San Francisco personal injury attorney James Bergener firmly believes this is a step in the right direction.

The bill is called “The Youth Sports Concussion Act” and technically it requires the Consumer Product Safety Commission to analyze studies that have been done on concussions amongst children and teenagers. They can follow up by directly enforcing new rules for manufacturing on sports gear or wait for companies to make the changes internally. Equally as important, it gives the FTC the power to draft rules that strictly penalize false safety claims made  to consumers.

This is an important talking point for the bill, since many proponents believe that extremely unfounded claims are being made by companies that make protective gear. Companies are misleading parents about the effectiveness of these products, and leading them to believe that they can prevent concussions.

Rockefeller has held public discussions with experts to speak on the subject of the dangers and frequency of head injuries amongst youth athletes, and a dialogue is taking place between major players in these markets about steps needed to safeguard the youth.

Most reports, along with Rockefeller himself, have stated that more than two dozen major organizations including the NBA, NFL, and NHL. have supported the Youth Sports Concussion Act by endorsing it, and more can be sure to follow.

While there is certainly an assumption of risk that is associated with sporting activities and events, but it’s an altogether different matter when businesses are knowingly making claims about the safety, effectiveness, and durability of a product. To suggest that helmets can withstand a certain amount of force, or that they will reduce the chance of concussion by a certain percentage requires evidence to establish it as fact. Otherwise, suits for product liability can be filed against the companies.

At Bergener & Associates, our product liability lawyers have dealt with numerous cases involved companies that were negligent or breached a warranty. When someone is hurt or injured because of the negligence of a company, the first thing you need to do after seeking medical attention is consult with an experienced attorney. Bergener & Associates lawyers represent clients all over California, including cities in Orange County, Los Angeles County, San Diego County, and San Francisco.

If you have any questions about what you can do after an accident or injury, call us today for  completely free and confidential consultation at 1-800-881-2021 or visit our website.