California Injury Blog
A woman was seriously injured in a San Diego car accident after a car pulled out of a driveway and struck her, the morning of January 25, 2012. According to a news report in U-T San Diego, the pedestrian accident occurred on Coronado Avenue near Green Bay Street in the Nestor section of San Diego. Officials say the driver had dropped off his children and was pulling out when he hit the woman. She suffered a broken femur and hip as well as abdomen injuries. The report makes no mention of whether or not the driver was cited for the collision.
My heart goes out to the woman injured in this San Diego car crash. I wish her the very best for a complete and speedy recovery.
San Diego Pedestrian Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 14 people were killed and 70 were injured in San Diego pedestrian accidents. Countywide, there was 18 fatalities and 494 injuries reported as a result of pedestrian accidents, during the same year.
Right-of-Way Issues
Based on this news account, the driver failed to notice the pedestrian when pulling out of a driveway. According to California Vehicle Code Section 21804 (a) “The driver of any vehicle about to enter or cross a highway from any public or private property, or from an alley, shall yield the right-of-way to all traffic.” Drivers must yield the right of way to pedestrians when exiting a private driveway.
I trust investigators are looking into why the driver failed to yield the right of way. Was he distracted at the time of accident? Why did he fail to see the pedestrian and avoid a collision? Was he looking at a cell phone or watching his children as he pulled out?
Liability Issues
If it is determined the motorist here had failed to yield the right of way to the pedestrian or was negligent at the time, he can be held financially responsible for the victim’s medical bills, hospitalization, lost wages, and other related damages. Car accident victims would be well advised to contact an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all aspects of the incident and ensure that the negligent parties are held liable. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.