[01-19-2025] San Francisco County, CA – One Person, Dog Killed In Speeding-Related Multi-Vehicle Collision Involving Waymo Robotaxi

A speeding-related multi-vehicle collision in San Francisco on Sunday evening, January 19, 2025, resulted in the deaths of one person and a dog. Several vehicles, including a Waymo robotaxi, were involved.

According to the San Francisco Police Department, officers responded to the intersection of Sixth and Harrison Streets at approximately 6:08 p.m. They found six vehicles that had been struck by another vehicle.

Multiple victims were inside the vehicles, with several transported to a hospital. One person was pronounced dead at the scene, and their dog, who was in the same vehicle, was also killed.

Authorities detained the suspected driver, identified as 66-year-old J.L. Zheng, while he was being treated for injuries at the hospital. Zheng was booked in absentia on felony vehicular manslaughter charges, along with allegations of speeding and misdemeanor vandalism.

A pickup truck crashed into the sidewalk while a Tesla sedan, suspected to have been driven by Zheng at high speed, collided with a Lexus sedan. An unoccupied Waymo robotaxi reportedly operating autonomously sustained severe damage after being struck by a vehicle that was struck by the Tesla. A white sedan appeared to have crashed directly into the Waymo, while at least two other vehicles with damages were at a standstill.

The killed person appeared to come from the white sedan with its side torn off. No details regarding the total number of people involved have been released yet.

The California Highway Patrol is investigating whether a separate hit-and-run crash on Interstate 280 prior to the collision is connected to the incident. Authorities are still determining whether drugs or alcohol were contributing factors.

The crash site was closed for investigation, with motorists advised to seek alternative routes.

Call The Reckless Driving Accident Attorneys San Francisco Trusts

You have the right to fair and full compensation for your losses and damages if you were injured or lost a loved one in an accident caused by the recklessness of another. With the help of our San Francisco personal injury lawyers, you can pursue justice.

Arash Khorsandi, Esq., and his team of skilled reckless driving accident attorneys will evaluate your case for free, look at all the factors that can influence your potential settlement amount, and help maximize your compensation. We have been fighting for accident victims for many years. Being one of California’s top injury law firms, we have helped injured victims and their families get over $750 million in compensation.

Please fill out our “Do I Have a Case?” form or give our attorneys a call at (888) 488-1391 to arrange a free consultation.

What To Do After An Accident In San Francisco, CA

First, if you’re still able to, make sure everyone is okay, including the drivers and passengers. Call for an ambulance right away, especially if anyone requires medical attention. If someone is unconscious or complains of neck or back pain, don’t move them unless their life is in immediate danger, such as from an approaching fire or vehicle. After prioritizing safety, you should take the following steps to safeguard your well-being and rights to compensation:

• Report any fatalities, serious injuries, or significant property damage to the police. Obtain the names and badge numbers of the cops who were present at the accident scene. Afterward, get a copy of their accident report. This can help your claim later on.
• Exchange information with involved parties, including names, driver’s licenses, and insurance details. Record or take pictures of all vehicles involved and any obvious damage, skid marks, and injuries. Speak with the witnesses and get their addresses and phone numbers.
• Even if you believe your injuries are minor, get medical help. Medical records can also bolster your claim by establishing a direct link between your injuries and the accident.
• For a free case analysis, give our injury law firm a call at (888) 488-1391. We can help you negotiate with insurers, obtain accident reports and other important documents, assess the strength of your case, and file a personal injury claim. Do not accept any settlement offer, sign any documents, or make a recorded statement without legal counsel.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Reckless Driving Accident Statistics

For more than 20 years, speeding has been a major contributing factor to motor vehicle fatalities, making up over one-third of all road fatalities, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In 2022, speeding was a contributing factor in 29% of all traffic fatalities.

Speeding puts everyone on the road at risk, including other drivers, pedestrians, and law enforcement. A total of 12,151 people tragically lost their lives as a result of speeding in 2022. This concerning figure emphasizes how urgently awareness and action addressing speed-related accidents are needed.

It’s important to keep in mind that speed limits are in place to safeguard all road users. It takes a team effort to combat speeding in order to improve community safety and encourage safe driving habits.

In San Francisco, 522 fatal and injury crashes were reported in 2022, according to data from the latest OTS Crash Rankings Results.