REPORT: ALARM FAILED IN CABLE CAR ACCIDENT

Commentary by Personal Injury Lawyer Sam Spital:

“On February 11, 2013, the electronic edition of the UT San Diego reported seven individuals were injured when a San Francisco Cable Car came to an abrupt stop after hitting a loose bolt on the tracks; the bolts are intended to trigger an alarm and alert operators of an obstruction. Other sources reviewed by my law office noted the cable car system in general is checked nightly (apparently they are not very comprehensive in performing these tasks), however, this incident has raised the level of awareness and a San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency spokesman stated they will make weekly checks to test the tightness of the bolts.

It is far too common for traffic lights &/or stop signs to be added at intersections and remedial efforts initiated by governmental agencies after an accident or injury. It strains credulity why more proactive measures are not taken to protect the safety and life of unsuspecting victims who rely upon and ride public transportation. Attorneys for the victims will likely obtain and use the maintenance records as a basis to establish negligence by the Municipality that operates the cable cars. A timely government claim must first be filed before initiating a lawsuit. It is not necessarily the issue of compensating victims, but to send a message to those in charge as well as city officials and the Mayor to prevent this and other situations from happening. The public deserves more when considering the potential risk of catastrophic injuries and of course the reason taxes are paid to support such activities.”

– Sam Spital