California Injury Blog
A 60-year-old pedestrian was seriously injured in a San Diego car accident after she was struck by a vehicle while crossing the street. According to a news report in The San Diego Union-Tribune, the injury car accident occurred at the intersection of Clairemont Mesa Boulevard and Luna Avenue early morning on March 15, 2011. The pedestrian was struck by a Honda Civic, which was northbound, and was carried about 25 to 30 feet. Officials say the woman was walking in a crosswalk, but are looking into who had the light at the time. The driver told officials he simply did not see the pedestrian. An investigation is ongoing.
My heart goes out to this injured pedestrian and her family for what they are going through at this time. I wish her the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. She will be in my prayers.
Pedestrian Accidents
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 23 fatalities and 533 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in the city of San Diego. Countywide, pedestrian accidents claimed 63 lives and injured 998 people during the same year.
Laws Relating to Pedestrians
Based on this news report, officials are saying that the driver of the Honda may have had the light although the pedestrian was walking in a crosswalk. California law requires motorists to yield right-of-way to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks.
California Vehicle Code Section 21950 states: “The driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection.” The same section also states that the driver of a vehicle approaching a pedestrian within any marked or unmarked crosswalk “shall exercise all due care and shall reduce the speed of a vehicle or take any other action relating to the operating of the vehicle as necessary to safeguard the safety of the pedestrian.”
Fault and Liability
I trust officials are also looking into whether driver distraction, speed or any other form of negligence played a part in this collision. Injured victims in such cases would be well-advised to seek the counsel of an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all aspects of the incident and ensure that the negligent parties are held liable.
A skilled car accident lawyer will also be able to determine whether a dangerous roadway condition caused or contributed to the incident. If that was the case, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway may be held liable. Under California Government Code Section 911.2, any personal injury claim against a governmental agency must be filed within 180 days of the incident.
Seriously injured in a San Diego County car accident? Want to know if you have a case? Want to know what your case is worth? Want compensation for your injuries? Want justice? Want to make sure the same thing doesn’t happen to someone else?
Call your best friends in the legal industry after a San Diego pedestrian accident. Call 800-259-6373. The call is free. The advice may be priceless.
Call a Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys San Diego personal injury lawyer for a free professional evaluation of your case by attorneys who have represented over 6,000 clients since 1978. You will experience award winning representation and outstanding personal service by a friendly law firm in a comfortable environment.