San Francisco’s iconic cable car system experienced a concerning incident on Monday morning when a cable car accident at Hyde and Broadway left several passengers injured. The collision, which occurred at approximately 11:30 a.m., serves as a reminder of the potential dangers associated with even the city’s most beloved forms of public transportation.
According to the San Francisco Fire Department, four passengers sustained injuries in the accident. Two individuals were transported to a local hospital for treatment of minor injuries, while two others declined medical transport at the scene. While authorities have confirmed that the injuries were not life-threatening, the incident highlights important questions about cable car safety, passenger rights, and legal recourse following transportation accidents in San Francisco.
Understanding San Francisco’s Cable Car System
San Francisco’s cable cars are more than just a tourist attraction—they’re a functioning part of the city’s public transportation network and a designated National Historic Landmark. The cable car system has been operating since 1873, making it one of the last manually operated cable car systems in the world.
The Hyde Street line, where Monday’s accident occurred, is one of three remaining cable car routes in San Francisco. It runs from Hyde and Beach Streets near Fisherman’s Wharf through Nob Hill to Market Street. The intersection of Hyde Street and Broadway sits in the Russian Hill neighborhood, a section of the track that navigates some of San Francisco’s steepest hills.
Cable cars operate differently from other forms of public transportation. Rather than being powered by an internal engine, they grip onto a continuously moving underground cable. The grip operator controls the cable car’s speed and stops by gripping and releasing this cable, while the conductor collects fares and operates the manual brakes.
Despite their historic charm and careful operation, cable cars can be involved in accidents. These incidents may occur due to mechanical failures, operator error, collisions with vehicles, pedestrian accidents, or passenger falls while boarding, riding, or exiting the cable car.
Details of the Hyde Street Cable Car Accident
The cable car accident occurred at the intersection of Hyde Street and Broadway in San Francisco’s Russian Hill neighborhood on Monday morning, around 11:30 a.m. This location represents a particularly challenging section of the cable car route, as it sits on one of the city’s characteristic steep hills where cable cars must navigate both the grade and intersection traffic.
The San Francisco Fire Department responded promptly to the scene and evaluated four passengers who reported injuries. Emergency medical personnel assessed all four individuals and determined that two passengers required hospital transport for minor injuries. The other two passengers who sustained injuries chose to decline ambulance transport, likely feeling their injuries were minimal enough to seek care independently or not requiring immediate medical attention.
While authorities have not released detailed information about the specific cause of the accident, cable car incidents at intersections can result from various factors. These may include sudden stops, collisions with other vehicles, passengers losing balance during normal operations, or mechanical issues with the cable car’s gripping or braking systems.
The intersection of Hyde Street and Broadway is a controlled intersection where cable cars must cross vehicle traffic. Cable cars have the right-of-way in San Francisco, but accidents can still occur when drivers fail to yield, when visibility is limited, or when unexpected stops are necessary.
Passengers on San Francisco cable cars often stand on the running boards—the exterior steps of the cable car—or sit on outward-facing bench seats. While this open-air experience is part of the cable car’s charm, it also means passengers are more exposed to injury during sudden stops, impacts, or unexpected movements compared to fully enclosed vehicles.
Common Injuries in Cable Car Accidents
Even when classified as “minor,” injuries from cable car accidents can have significant impacts on victims’ lives. The unique design of cable cars, with their open sides and standing room on the running boards, creates specific injury risks distinct from those in other public transportation accidents.
Passengers frequently sustain soft-tissue injuries in cable car accidents. Whiplash, muscle strains, and ligament sprains commonly occur when a cable car stops suddenly or experiences an impact. These injuries may seem minor initially, but can develop into chronic pain conditions requiring extended medical treatment and physical therapy.
Falls represent another significant source of cable car injuries. Passengers standing on running boards or moving between seats can lose their balance during sudden stops or impacts. Fall-related injuries may include bruises, contusions, and lacerations, as well as more serious concerns like fractures or head trauma if a passenger strikes their head during the fall.
Hand and arm injuries occur with particular frequency on cable cars. Passengers gripping poles or railings may sustain crushed fingers, strained wrists, or shoulder injuries when sudden impacts cause their bodies to jerk while holding on. The manual grip poles characteristic of cable car design can themselves cause injury in accidents.
Back and neck injuries are common in any transportation accident where sudden stops or impacts occur. The jarring motion of a collision or emergency stop can cause vertebral compression, disc injuries, or neck and back muscle spasms. These injuries may not manifest immediately, with symptoms developing hours or even days after the incident.
Some passengers may experience psychological trauma following a cable car accident, particularly if the incident was frightening or if they witnessed others being injured. Anxiety about using public transportation, recurring thoughts about the accident, or fear of cable cars specifically can affect quality of life and may require professional treatment.
Even injuries initially classified as “minor” by emergency responders deserve proper medical evaluation and documentation. What appears to be a simple bruise or mild soreness immediately after an accident can develop into a more serious condition requiring comprehensive treatment. Delayed symptom onset is particularly common with soft tissue injuries, making prompt medical assessment essential.
Legal Rights of Cable Car Accident Victims
Passengers injured in cable car accidents have legal rights and may be entitled to compensation for their injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Understanding these rights is crucial for anyone who has been hurt while using San Francisco’s historic transportation system.
The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) operates the city’s cable car system. As a government entity that provides public transportation, SFMTA has a legal duty to operate cable cars safely and to maintain them in proper working order. When accidents occur due to negligence—whether through inadequate maintenance, improper operation, or failure to address known safety hazards—the agency may be held liable for resulting injuries.
California law establishes that common carriers, including cable car operators, owe passengers the highest duty of care. This standard exceeds the ordinary care that individuals owe to each other in daily interactions. Common carriers must exercise the utmost care and diligence to ensure passengers’ safe transportation and provide vehicles that are safe and fit for passenger use.
However, filing claims against government entities like the SFMTA involves special procedures and strict deadlines that differ from those for standard personal injury claims. Injured passengers must file a government claim within six months of the accident date. This claim serves as formal notice to the government entity about the injury and the intention to seek compensation. Failure to file within this six-month window can permanently bar an injury victim from pursuing legal action, regardless of how serious their injuries may be.
The government claim process requires specific information, including detailed descriptions of how the accident occurred, the nature and extent of injuries, the amount of compensation sought, and supporting documentation. SFMTA has 45 days to respond to the claim. If the agency denies the claim or fails to respond, the injured party can then file a lawsuit in court.
Determining liability in cable car accidents requires a thorough investigation. Potential responsible parties may include the cable car operator if negligent operation caused the accident, SFMTA if mechanical failures or maintenance issues contributed, other drivers if a vehicle collision was involved, or contractors if faulty repairs or maintenance work played a role.
Evidence crucial to cable car accident claims includes accident reports filed by SFMTA and emergency responders, witness statements from other passengers or bystanders, medical records documenting injuries and treatment, photographs of the accident scene and visible injuries, and cable car maintenance records. Experienced attorneys understand how to obtain this evidence, even when government agencies are reluctant to provide documentation that might support injury claims.
Compensation in cable car accident cases may cover medical expenses for emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgery, medication, physical therapy, and ongoing care; lost income from missed work during recovery; future lost earning capacity if injuries cause long-term disability; pain and suffering for physical discomfort and emotional distress; and, in cases of severe negligence, potentially punitive damages to punish particularly reckless conduct.
What to Do After a Cable Car Accident
The actions taken immediately following a cable car accident can significantly impact both health outcomes and the strength of any potential legal claim. Knowing the proper steps to take protects both physical well-being and legal rights.
First and most importantly, seek medical attention even if injuries seem minor. Adrenaline and shock can mask pain immediately after an accident, and some injuries don’t present obvious symptoms until hours or days later. Accept medical evaluation at the scene, and don’t decline transport to the hospital unless absolutely certain injuries are truly minimal. Even if choosing not to go by ambulance, visit an urgent care facility or emergency room the same day for a complete medical assessment.
Report the accident to the cable car operator and conductor immediately. SFMTA staff should document the incident and create an official accident report. Obtain a copy of this report or, at a minimum, get the report number and information about how to obtain a copy later. This documentation establishes an official record that the accident occurred and provides an initial account of what happened.
If physically able, document the scene personally. Use a smartphone to photograph the cable car from multiple angles, showing its position and any visible damage. Photograph the surrounding area, including street signs, traffic conditions, and anything that might have contributed to the accident. If any injuries are visible, photograph them as well, though be mindful that more serious injuries should be photographed by medical professionals in a controlled environment.
Collect contact information from witnesses. Other passengers or bystanders who witnessed the accident can provide crucial testimony about its cause and severity. Get names, phone numbers, and email addresses, and briefly note what each witness observed. Don’t conduct lengthy interviews at the scene—focus on getting contact information so attorneys can follow up later with detailed statements.
Preserve all evidence related to the accident. Keep clothing worn during the incident, especially if torn or damaged. Save the cable car ticket or fare receipt. Maintain all medical records, prescriptions, bills, and receipts for accident-related expenses. Create a journal documenting symptoms, pain levels, medical appointments, and how injuries affect daily activities. Contemporaneous documentation can be invaluable for demonstrating the impact of injuries.
Avoid making recorded statements to insurance companies or SFMTA representatives without first consulting with an attorney. While there’s a duty to report the accident and provide basic information, detailed statements about what happened, who was at fault, or the extent of injuries should not be made until after legal consultation. Insurance adjusters may use statements to minimize claims or establish arguments against compensation.
Be cautious about social media posts following a cable car accident. Insurance companies and defense attorneys routinely monitor injury claimants’ social media accounts, looking for posts that might contradict their claims. A photo showing physical activity or a cheerful social outing can be taken out of context to argue that injuries weren’t serious, even when such moments don’t reflect the overall recovery struggles.
Keep detailed records of how injuries affect daily life. Note missed work days, activities that can no longer be performed, pain that interferes with sleep or routine tasks, and emotional impacts of the accident. These details help demonstrate the true cost of injuries beyond medical bills alone.
Cable Car Safety Concerns in San Francisco
While San Francisco’s cable cars are beloved icons and generally maintain strong safety records, accidents do occur, raising questions about potential risks and areas for improvement in the historic system.
The age and mechanical nature of the cable car system present inherent challenges. Unlike modern vehicles with computerized safety systems, cable cars rely on manual operation and mechanical components. Grip operators must judge appropriate speeds, stopping distances, and cable tension based on experience and conditions. This human element, while part of the system’s authentic historic operation, creates potential for human error.
Cable car maintenance is intensive and ongoing. The system requires constant attention to cable tension, brake function, wheel condition, and structural integrity. SFMTA maintains a dedicated cable car maintenance facility and employs specialized mechanics, but the demands of maintaining 120-year-old technology operating daily in a modern urban environment are substantial.
Intersection accidents represent a particular concern. Cable cars travel on fixed tracks and cannot swerve to avoid obstacles. They depend on other vehicles yielding the right of way, but drivers unfamiliar with San Francisco traffic patterns or distracted by the city’s many attractions may fail to give cable cars proper clearance. The combination of steep hills, limited stopping ability, and frequent vehicle traffic creates situations where accidents can occur despite operator vigilance.
Passenger behavior also contributes to safety concerns in cable cars. Tourists unfamiliar with cable car operation may stand inappropriately, lean out dangerously, or fail to hold on securely. The temptation to take photos while riding can distract from maintaining proper balance and grip. Boarding and exiting moving cable cars—while part of the traditional experience—creates opportunities for slips and falls.
Weather conditions affect cable car safety more than enclosed vehicles. Rain makes running boards slippery and reduces tire traction at intersections. Fog, common in San Francisco, limits visibility for both cable car operators and surrounding vehicles. The open-air design that makes cable cars charming in pleasant weather exposes passengers to elements that can create hazardous conditions.
SFMTA has implemented various safety measures over the years, including enhanced operator training programs, regular mechanical inspections and maintenance schedules, safety campaigns educating passengers about proper riding behavior, and coordination with SFPD to enforce right-of-way laws at cable car intersections. However, completely eliminating accidents in a system that processes millions of rides annually while maintaining historic authenticity remains an ongoing challenge.
Recent years have seen periodic calls for additional safety measures, including proposals for more comprehensive passenger restraints, enhanced intersection warning systems, and modified boarding procedures. Balancing safety improvements with historic preservation and authentic operation remains a topic of discussion among transportation officials, safety advocates, and historic preservation groups.
The Government Claims Process for SFMTA Accidents
Pursuing compensation for injuries sustained in a cable car accident requires navigating California’s government claims process, which differs significantly from the process for standard personal injury claims against private parties.
The most critical aspect of the government claims process is the strict six-month deadline. California Government Code Section 911.2 requires anyone seeking to sue a government entity to first file an administrative claim within 6 months of the incident date. For the Monday morning cable car accident at Hyde Street and Broadway, this means injured passengers have until six months from that date to file their claims with SFMTA. Missing this deadline, even by a single day, typically results in permanent loss of the right to pursue compensation, regardless of injury severity.
The claim must be filed with the appropriate government entity—in this case, the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency. SFMTA provides claim forms and instructions on its website, but having an experienced attorney prepare the claim ensures that all required information is included and presented properly.
A government claim must include specific information: the claimant’s name and contact information, the date, location, and circumstances of the accident, a description of the injuries sustained, the amount of compensation sought, and any supporting documentation. While claimants can amend the amount sought later if injuries prove more serious than initially apparent, the initial claim should be as comprehensive as possible based on information available at filing time.
After filing, SFMTA has 45 days to respond to the claim. The agency may approve the claim and offer a settlement, partially approve it with a lower settlement offer, or deny it entirely. In practice, most government claims are denied or result in settlement offers far below actual damages. This doesn’t mean the case lacks merit—government entities routinely deny claims as an initial response, expecting that claimants will either accept inadequate offers or fail to pursue further legal action.
If SFMTA denies the claim or fails to respond within the 45-day period, the claimant receives a rejection notice. This rejection is actually a necessary step before filing a lawsuit. California law requires exhaustion of the administrative claim process before a lawsuit can be filed against a government entity.
Once a claim is rejected, the claimant has six months to file a lawsuit in court. This deadline is equally strict. The rejection notice will specify the exact date by which a lawsuit must be filed. Missing this deadline also results in permanent loss of the right to compensation.
The government claims process contains several procedural complexities that make experienced legal representation particularly valuable. For instance, if SFMTA doesn’t respond to a claim within 45 days, the claimant must affirmatively apply for a rejection notice before the six-month period to file a lawsuit begins. Failing to understand these procedural requirements can result in missed deadlines and lost claims.
Additionally, special rules apply to claims involving government employees. If negligent cable car operation by an SFMTA employee caused the accident, both the employee and SFMTA must be named in the claim. Understanding which parties to name and how to properly assert claims against each requires familiarity with California government tort law.
The process also differs when injuries involve minors. While the six-month claim-filing deadline still applies, minors have until their 20th birthday to file a lawsuit if the government denies their claim. However, failing to file the initial administrative claim within six months of the accident still bars the case, so prompt action remains essential even for injured children.
How GJEL Accident Attorneys Can Help Cable Car Accident Victims
Navigating the aftermath of a cable car accident, particularly when it involves complex government claims procedures and serious injuries, requires experienced legal guidance. GJEL Accident Attorneys has extensive experience representing victims of transportation accidents throughout San Francisco and Northern California.
Our attorneys understand the unique aspects of cable car accidents and the specific legal framework governing claims against SFMTA. We recognize that these cases require prompt action due to the strict six-month government claim-filing deadline, and we move quickly to protect our clients’ rights while they focus on medical recovery.
From the moment you contact our firm, we begin working on your behalf. Our investigation process includes obtaining accident reports from SFMTA and emergency responders, identifying and interviewing witnesses, securing cable car maintenance records through public records requests, consulting with accident reconstruction experts when necessary, and documenting the full extent of your injuries and their impact on your life.
We handle all aspects of the government claims process, ensuring your claim is properly prepared, filed with the correct entity within required deadlines, supported by comprehensive documentation and evidence, and amounts to compensation that adequately reflects the true value of your case. When SFMTA denies a claim or offers an inadequate settlement—as government entities routinely do—we’re prepared to file a lawsuit and take the case to trial if necessary.
GJEL Accident Attorneys works on a contingency fee basis, meaning clients pay no upfront costs and no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for them. This no-win, no-fee structure ensures that financial concerns never prevent accident victims from accessing quality legal representation. We advance all case costs, including expert fees, investigation expenses, and court filing fees, and recover them only when we secure compensation for our clients.
Our approach combines aggressive advocacy with compassionate client service. We understand that cable car accident victims are dealing with painful injuries, medical treatments, missed work, and often anxiety about the accident itself. We communicate clearly about case progress, respond promptly to questions and concerns, and treat every client with the respect and attention their case deserves.
With offices throughout Northern California and decades of combined experience, GJEL Accident Attorneys has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for injury victims. Our results speak to our commitment to fighting for full and fair compensation, even when facing well-resourced government entities and their insurance companies.
Understanding Your Cable Car Accident Claim Value
Determining the potential value of a cable car accident claim can be challenging, especially in government liability cases, given their unique circumstances. Many injury victims wonder what their case might be worth as they consider their legal options. While every case is unique and depends on specific facts and circumstances, GJEL Accident Attorneys offers a Personal Injury Settlement Calculator to help accident victims understand the potential range of compensation they may be entitled to.
The personal injury settlement calculator takes into account various factors that influence claim values, including the severity and type of injuries sustained, total medical expenses incurred for treatment and rehabilitation, lost wages from missed work during recovery, anticipated future medical needs and ongoing care costs, the degree of fault or negligence involved in the accident, and the impact of injuries on daily life and overall quality of living.
By entering information about your cable car accident and resulting injuries, the calculator provides an estimated settlement range based on similar cases our firm has handled and typical compensation awards in San Francisco personal injury claims. It’s important to understand that a settlement calculator provides estimates, not guarantees. The actual value of your case depends on factors that can only be fully assessed through a comprehensive legal evaluation, including the strength of available evidence, the credibility of witnesses, the skill of your legal representation, and the willingness of SFMTA or its insurers to negotiate fairly.
Some injuries that seem minor initially may develop into serious chronic conditions requiring extensive treatment, while factors like pre-existing conditions or comparative negligence can affect final compensation amounts. The settlement calculator serves as an educational starting point, helping you understand what types of damages you may be entitled to recover and providing a general framework for evaluating settlement offers from SFMTA or insurance companies. Many accident victims accept inadequate early settlement offers simply because they don’t understand the full value of their claims.
Having a realistic estimate of your case’s worth empowers you to make informed decisions about whether to accept a settlement offer or continue pursuing full compensation through litigation. Using the calculator is completely free and confidential, and it requires no personal contact information unless you choose to speak with an attorney about your specific case. After receiving your estimate, you can schedule a free consultation with GJEL Accident Attorneys to discuss your case in detail and receive personalized legal advice based on the unique circumstances of your cable car accident.
Our experienced attorneys can provide a more precise valuation after reviewing medical records, accident reports, and other evidence specific to your situation, ensuring you understand the true worth of your claim before making any decisions about settlement or litigation. Call us now at +1-866-218-3776 to speak with our experts.
Take Action Today – Get the Help You Deserve
“Cable car accidents can be particularly frightening because of the exposed nature of these historic vehicles, and even injuries described as ‘minor’ by first responders can develop into serious, painful conditions requiring extensive treatment. If you were injured in this Hyde Street accident or any cable car incident in San Francisco, please understand that you have legal rights—but the clock is ticking. California law gives you only six months to file a government claim against SFMTA, and missing this deadline can mean losing your right to compensation entirely, regardless of how severely you were hurt. Don’t let confusion about the process or concern about taking on a government agency prevent you from protecting your rights. At GJEL Accident Attorneys, we handle all aspects of these complex claims at no upfront cost to you, and we only get paid if we recover compensation for your injuries. Your focus should be on healing, not navigating bureaucratic procedures. Please reach out to us for a free consultation so we can evaluate your case, explain your options, and ensure you meet all critical deadlines. We’re here to help you through this difficult time and fight for the full compensation you deserve.”—Andy Gillin, Managing Partner, GJEL Accident Attorneys
If you or a loved one was injured in the Hyde Street cable car accident or any other cable car incident in San Francisco, time is critical. The six-month deadline for filing a government claim means you cannot afford to wait to seek legal guidance.
GJEL Accident Attorneys offers free, no-obligation consultations to discuss your case, explain your legal rights, and outline potential paths to compensation. During this consultation, we’ll review the circumstances of your accident, discuss your injuries and their impact on your life, explain the government claims process and applicable deadlines, answer your questions about the legal process, and provide an honest assessment of your case’s potential value.
There is no cost for this consultation, and you’re under no obligation to hire our firm. We simply want to ensure you understand your rights and options so you can make informed decisions about how to proceed.
Don’t let procedural deadlines or intimidation by government entities prevent you from seeking the compensation you deserve. Contact GJEL Accident Attorneys today to schedule your free consultation. Call us at +1-866-218-3776 or visit our San Jose office to learn more about how we can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Resources and Assistance for Cable Car Accident Victims in San Francisco
Following a cable car accident in San Francisco, victims and their families may need to contact various local agencies, medical facilities, and support organizations. The following comprehensive list provides contact information and resources to help accident victims navigate the immediate aftermath of a cable car incident and access the services they need during recovery.
San Francisco Emergency and Law Enforcement
San Francisco Police Department The SFPD responds to traffic accidents throughout the city, including cable car incidents. Victims should obtain a copy of the police report, which serves as crucial documentation for insurance and legal claims.
- Address: 1245 3rd Street, San Francisco, CA 94158
- Non-Emergency: (415) 553-0123
- Emergency: 911
- Traffic Company: (415) 553-1641
- Records Division: (415) 553-1373 (for obtaining accident reports)
- Website: https://www.sanfranciscopolice.org
- Online Report Requests: https://www.sanfranciscopolice.org/get-service/police-reports/request-police-report
San Francisco Fire Department SFFD provides emergency medical response at accident scenes and can provide documentation of medical treatment rendered.
- Address: 698 Second Street, San Francisco, CA 94107
- Non-Emergency: (415) 558-3200
- Emergency: 911
- Website: https://sf-fire.org
San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA)
SFMTA Customer Service and Claims. As the operator of San Francisco’s cable car system, SFMTA handles accident reports, claims filing, and customer complaints related to cable car incidents.
- Address: One South Van Ness Avenue, 7th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94103
- Customer Service: 311 (within SF) or (415) 701-2311
- Transit Assistance Center: (415) 701-2311
- Claims Department: (415) 701-4500
- Mailing Address for Claims: SFMTA Risk Management, 1 South Van Ness Avenue, 3rd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94103
- Website: https://www.sfmta.com
- Report Transit Issues: https://www.sfmta.com/getting-around/bike/report-issues
- Cable Car Information: https://www.sfmta.com/getting-around/muni/cable-cars
Medical Facilities and Emergency Care
Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center, the city’s primary trauma center, provides 24/7 emergency care for serious injuries.
- Address: 1001 Potrero Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94110
- Emergency Department: (415) 206-8111
- Main Hospital: (415) 206-8000
- Website: https://zuckerbergsanfranciscogeneral.org
UCSF Medical Center offers Comprehensive medical care, including emergency services and specialized trauma treatment.
- Parnassus Campus: 505 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94143
- Emergency Department: (415) 353-1066
- Main Number: (415) 476-1000
- Website: https://www.ucsfhealth.org
California Pacific Medical Center (CPMC) has Multiple locations throughout San Francisco, providing emergency and specialty care.
- Davies Campus Emergency: 45 Castro Street, San Francisco, CA 94114 – (415) 600-6000
- California Campus Emergency: 3700 California Street, San Francisco, CA 94118 – (415) 600-6000
- Main Number: (415) 600-6000
- Website: https://www.sutterhealth.org/cpmc
Saint Francis Memorial Hospital is located near downtown San Francisco, providing emergency and acute care services.
- Address: 900 Hyde Street, San Francisco, CA 94109
- Emergency Department: (415) 353-6300
- Main Number: (415) 353-6000
- Website: https://www.dignityhealth.org/bayarea/locations/stfrancismemorial
Transportation and Traffic Resources
San Francisco County Transportation Authority (SFCTA) is the agency responsible for transportation planning and congestion management in San Francisco.
- Address: 1455 Market Street, 22nd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94103
- Phone: (415) 522-4800
- Email: info@sfcta.org
- Website: https://www.sfcta.org
California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) – District 4 Oversees state highway safety and traffic management in the San Francisco Bay Area.
- Address: 111 Grand Avenue, Oakland, CA 94612
- Main Number: (510) 286-5559
- Traffic Information: Call 511 or visit https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov
- Website: https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-4
The San Francisco Department of Public Health provides public health resources and can assist with accessing medical care and support services.
- Address: 101 Grove Street, San Francisco, CA 94102
- Main Number: (415) 554-2500
- 24-Hour Hotline: (415) 255-3555
- Website: https://www.sfdph.org
Victim Services and Support
San Francisco Victim Services Division provides support, information, and referrals for crime and accident victims.
- Address: 850 Bryant Street, Room 230, San Francisco, CA 94103
- Phone: (415) 553-9044
- Crisis Line: (415) 553-9045 (24/7)
- Email: victimservices@sfgov.org
- Website: https://www.sfdistrictattorney.org/victim-services
California Victim Compensation Board provides financial assistance to victims of violent crimes, which may include certain transportation accidents.
- Toll-Free: 1-800-777-9229
- TTY: 1-800-735-2929
- Mailing Address: P.O. Box 350, Sacramento, CA 95812-0350
- Website: https://victims.ca.gov
- Online Application: https://www.vcgcb.ca.gov/victims/howto.aspx
Community Overcoming Relationship Abuse (CORA). While focused on domestic violence, CORA provides crisis counseling and support services that may benefit trauma victims.
- 24-Hour Support Line: (415) 668-0555
- Administrative Office: (415) 944-2082
- Website: https://www.cora.org
Legal and Governmental Resources
California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) – San Francisco. For driver records, accident reporting requirements, and vehicle information.
- Address: 1377 Fell Street, San Francisco, CA 94117
- Phone: 1-800-777-0133
- Website: https://www.dmv.ca.gov
- Appointment Scheduling: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/appointments
State Bar of California – Lawyer Referral Service provides referrals to qualified attorneys, though direct contact with experienced firms like GJEL is often more efficient.
- Phone: 1-866-442-2529
- San Francisco Office: (415) 782-8900
- Website: https://www.calbar.ca.gov
- Lawyer Referral: https://www.californialrs.com
San Francisco City Attorney’s Office provides legal services for the City and County of San Francisco, though accident victims typically need private representation.
- Address: City Hall, Room 234, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, San Francisco, CA 94102
- Phone: (415) 554-4700
- Website: https://www.sfcityattorney.org
San Francisco Superior Court, where lawsuits against SFMTA would be filed after the administrative claims process.
- Civic Center Courthouse: 400 McAllister Street, San Francisco, CA 94102
- Phone: (415) 551-4000
- Website: https://www.sfsuperiorcourt.org
- Civil Division: (415) 551-3887
- Filing Information: https://www.sfsuperiorcourt.org/divisions/civil
National Transportation Safety Resources
National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB): a Federal agency that investigates significant transportation accidents, including major transit incidents.
- Office of Transportation Disaster Assistance: 1-800-683-9369
- General Information: (202) 314-6000
- Website: https://www.ntsb.gov
Federal Transit Administration (FTA) oversees federal funding and safety standards for public transportation systems.
- Region IX Office (California): 201 Mission Street, Suite 1650, San Francisco, CA 94105
- Phone: (415) 744-3133
- Website: https://www.transit.dot.gov
Additional Community Resources
The San Francisco Travel Association can assist tourists injured while visiting San Francisco, including providing information on medical care and local resources.
- Address: One Front Street, Suite 2900, San Francisco, CA 94111
- Phone: (415) 974-6900
- Visitor Information Center: (415) 391-2000
- Website: https://www.sftravel.com
211 Bay Area Comprehensive information and referral service connecting people with community resources, including medical care, legal aid, and support services.
- Phone: Dial 211 (available 24/7 in multiple languages)
- Online: Text your zip code to 898-211
- Website: https://211bayarea.org
San Francisco Public Library – Legal Resources provides free access to legal research databases and self-help resources.
- Main Library: 100 Larkin Street, San Francisco, CA 94102
- Phone: (415) 557-4400
- Website: https://sfpl.org
- Legal Resources: https://sfpl.org/locations/main-library/government-information-center
These resources provide various forms of assistance following a cable car accident, from immediate emergency response to long-term legal and medical support. However, navigating these various agencies and obtaining all necessary documentation can be overwhelming while recovering from injuries. GJEL Accident Attorneys can handle communications with these agencies on your behalf, ensuring all necessary reports and records are obtained to support your claim while you focus on medical recovery.
