Multi-Vehicle Collision Causes Major Traffic Disruption in San Francisco’s Presidio Tunnel

A significant traffic collision involving four vehicles occurred in the Presidio Tunnel on State Route 1 South in San Francisco on May 4, 2025, at approximately 5:05 PM. The incident led to a complete blockage of all lanes within the tunnel, causing severe traffic congestion extending back to Highway 101. Emergency services, including the California Highway Patrol and San Francisco Fire Department, responded promptly to the scene.

Initial reports indicate that a red sports sedan may have triggered the collision before leaving the scene without making contact with the other vehicles involved. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported, although one driver sustained a knee injury but declined medical transport. The incident involved a black Chevrolet sedan, a white unknown sedan, and a black BMW, among others.

The roadway was reopened by 6:30 PM after the vehicles were cleared, and traffic flow was restored. Motorists are advised to exercise caution when traveling through the area and to remain vigilant for any residual delays. Our thoughts are with those affected by this incident, and we commend the swift response of the emergency services in managing the situation efficiently.

Potential Legal Considerations

When someone gets hurt because of someone else’s carelessness, it’s called negligence. In a situation where a person is injured in a traffic accident, the person who caused the accident might be legally responsible. To prove negligence, the injured person must show that the other driver did not act with reasonable care. This could mean the driver was speeding, not paying attention, or breaking traffic laws. If the injured person can prove this, they might be able to get compensation for their injuries.

Victims of such accidents have the right to seek compensation for their suffering. This compensation can cover things like medical bills, lost wages if they can’t work, and other expenses related to the accident. The goal is to help the victim get back to where they were before the accident happened. It’s important for victims to gather evidence, like photos of the accident scene and witness statements, to support their claims.

Insurance plays a big role in these situations. Most drivers have insurance that can help pay for damages and injuries. The injured person can file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Sometimes, the insurance company might try to settle quickly for a lower amount, so it’s important for victims to understand their rights and possibly seek legal advice to ensure they get fair compensation.

In some cases, if the at-fault driver doesn’t have enough insurance, the victim might use their own insurance policy to cover the remaining costs. This is called underinsured motorist coverage. It’s a good idea for drivers to check their insurance policies to understand what is covered in case of an accident.