SFMTA settles $1 million lawsuit involving F-Line crash

San Francisco’s transportation agency settled a $1 million lawsuit that involved a F-Market & Wharves historic streetcar striking Renita Woods near the intersection of Church and Market streets on Dec. 3, 2012.

According to court documents, Renita Woods, 59, was struck by the F-line streetcar approximately at 5:30 p.m., while standing on the platform in the westbound direction, and was dragged underneath the streetcar.

The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Board of Directors approved the settlement at its Tuesday meeting during closed session.

In the claim, Woods suffered “serious and life-threatening injuries” that included the loss of her left leg, head injuries, multiple abrasions and contusions and pain and suffering.

The claim blames Muni for not properly training its operators in safety and for not screening its operators of medical conditions:

“The Operator/Driver of the F-Train, among other things, negligently operated the train, failed to slow or stop the trains, failed to keep a proper lookout, failed to warn Ms. Woods and failed to avoid striking Ms. Woods.”

According to court documents, the Muni operator of the F-Line streetcar that struck woods was Nathaniel Tan.

SFMTA spokesperson Erica Kato told SFBay that Tan is no longer with the transit agency.

Jerold Chinn

Jerold serves as a reporter and San Francisco Bureau Chief for SFBay covering transportation and occasionally City Hall and the Mayor's Office in San Francisco. His work on transportation has been recognized by the San Francisco Press Club. Born and raised in San Francisco, he graduated from San Francisco State University with a degree in journalism. Jerold previously wrote for the San Francisco Public Press, a nonprofit, noncommercial news organization. When not reporting, you can find Jerold taking Muni to check out new places to eat in the city.