With its many events and attractions, San Diego experiences heavy traffic on its busy streets. Unfortunately, this also means that pedestrian accidents may happen more frequently than in less busy areas. Pedestrians have the right of way on sidewalks and crosswalks in San Diego, but that doesn’t always protect them from negligent drivers.
Injuries are often catastrophic when a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle. Medical bills, lost wages, and other costs can mount quickly. The at-fault driver’s insurance company will try to minimize their payout, but a San Diego pedestrian accident lawyer will aggressively fight for your rights and the compensation you deserve. Your personal injury lawyer will be your advocate every step of the way – call us for a free consultation today.
Increase in San Diego Pedestrian Accidents
Despite San Diego’s Vision Zero plan to eliminate traffic deaths by 2025, pedestrian and cyclist fatalities have risen. Public records show 427 people have died in traffic collisions since 2015 when Vision Zero was implemented. In 2022, there were 69 traffic deaths on city streets and sidewalks, the highest number in nine years.
From January through April 2023, there have already been 23 traffic-related deaths, including nine pedestrians. Advocates say more urgent action is needed to make streets safer through quick and affordable infrastructure improvements at dangerous intersections, increased traffic enforcement, and more education.
While the city has invested over $200 million in Vision Zero projects, some say proposed budgets still fall short of what is truly needed. The increasing death toll is unacceptable for those who have lost loved ones in these preventable collisions. More work remains to achieve the goal of zero traffic fatalities.
For a free legal consultation with a pedestrian accidents lawyer serving San Diego, call (310) 896-2723
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in San Diego
If a vehicle hits a pedestrian, the injuries can be catastrophic. Sadly, far too many such accidents occur on San Diego streets each year. Most stem from some common dangerous driving behaviors:
- Speeding – Drivers traveling too fast often can’t react when a pedestrian enters the road. This is especially dangerous in neighborhoods, school zones, and other areas with high foot traffic.
- Distracted driving – Drivers focused on cell phones, texting, or not paying attention may not see and yield to pedestrians at crossings, leading to collisions.
- Failure to stop – Many accidents occur when drivers fail to stop at intersections properly. Pedestrians begin crossing with the walk signal but are struck by a car blowing through a stop sign or red light.
- Impaired driving – Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs have delayed reaction times and impaired judgment, making them more likely to hit pedestrians.
- Drowsy driving – Fatigued drivers with slow reaction times also pose a significant risk.
- Sun glare – Bright sunlight in drivers’ eyes during certain times of day reduces visibility and the ability to notice crossing pedestrians.
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Providing Proof of a Pedestrian Accident in San Diego
After being hit by a vehicle as a pedestrian in San Diego, gathering strong evidence is essential to prove what occurred and secure fair compensation. A skilled San Diego pedestrian accident attorney will take swift action to compile proof, including:
- Photos documenting the scene, road conditions, and any vehicle damage
- Statements from eyewitnesses who saw the crash
- The police report detailing officers’ investigation
- Video footage from surveillance or dash cams, if available
- Records of traffic signals, signage, and crosswalk paint
- Data from the vehicle’s black box showing speed, braking, etc.
- Medical records can help validate your injuries.
- Bills, receipts, and paystubs prove accident-related expenses and income lost while recovering.
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Types of Common Settlements for Pedestrian Accidents
When pedestrians are injured in crashes caused by negligent drivers, they may be entitled to compensation through settlements or court awards covering:
- Medical expenses – These expenses include payment for all accident-related healthcare costs, such as hospital and ambulance bills, medications, physical therapy, assistive devices, and more.
- Lost income – Compensation for any wages lost if you had to take time off work to recover from your injuries.
- Loss of future earnings – If the accident prevents you from returning to your previous occupation, you may receive damages for reduced future income.
- Pain and suffering – Funds to account for the physical pain and emotional trauma resulting from the collision and injuries.
- Disability/disfigurement – Permanent disability or scarring warrants additional compensation.
- Wrongful death damages – If a pedestrian is killed, their family may file a claim for wrongful death compensation.
With an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer in San Diego fighting for your full and fair recovery, multi-million dollar settlements are possible in serious injury cases. Strong legal advocacy is vital to maximizing compensation.
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Get the Compensation You Deserve with a Dedicated San Diego Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been injured as a pedestrian in an accident caused by a negligent driver, you may feel overwhelmed trying to handle the legal process while coping with severe injuries. You need an advocate who will fight tirelessly to get you the maximum compensation you deserve. Whether it’s you or a loved one, it can be an overwhelming experience. You deserve someone who understands the legal world and will be on your side every step of the way.
Simmrin Law Group is a pedestrian accident attorney in San Diego who will stand up to insurance companies trying to deny or minimize what you are rightfully owed. The firm will thoroughly investigate, build a rock-solid case proving fault, and negotiate aggressively for full and fair restitution.
Simmrin Law Group understands this difficult time and will provide compassionate guidance while pursuing justice. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.
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