San Diego Pedestrian Accident Attorney

Helping Victims of Pedestrian Accidents in San Diego County

Being struck by a car while crossing the street is a nightmare we hope no one ever has to experience. Sadly, the city of San Diego has seen a significant increase in pedestrian accidents, and many of these victims have suffered catastrophic injuries or have been killed as a result.

At Wisner Baum, our San Diego pedestrian accident lawyers are dedicated to helping victims and their families recover the fair settlements they are owed. We have the resources to take on major auto insurance carriers and other large companies, and we are committed to helping you fight for the maximum compensation you are owed.

For a free consultation, call our firm at (855) 948-5098. We take cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you do not owe any fees unless/until we win your case.

How Do San Diego Pedestrian Accidents Happen?

Pedestrian accidents can happen anywhere, but they are most common in urban areas with a high volume of vehicular traffic. Unfortunately, San Diego has experienced a recent rise in pedestrian accidents, particularly in fatal pedestrian accidents. Pedestrian accidents are most likely to occur in areas where drivers are not used to seeing pedestrians, such as on highways, on busy city streets, and in parking lots.

Some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents in San Diego and throughout the country include:

• Drunk driving
• Distracted driving
• Speeding
• Reckless driving
• Failure to yield to pedestrians
• Failure to obey the rules of the road

Not all pedestrian accidents are the result of driver negligence. In some cases, pedestrians may be partially or fully liable for their injuries. For example, if a pedestrian is jaywalking and is struck by a car, the driver may not be considered liable for the accident. However, if the driver was also acting negligently, he or she may still be held responsible for a portion of the victim’s damages.

What Are the Pedestrian Laws in California?

California is a comparative negligence state, meaning that even if a pedestrian is partially at fault for an accident, he or she may still be able to recover compensation. Under California Vehicle Code Section 21950, motorists must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing the street within a marked or unmarked crosswalk. However, pedestrians also have certain responsibilities under the law.

According to California Vehicle Code Section 21954, pedestrians must not suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle that is so close the driver can't stop. If the pedestrian does this and is struck by a vehicle, he or she may be considered partially liable for the accident.

In addition, under California Vehicle Code Section 21955, pedestrians are generally not allowed to cross the street outside of a marked or unmarked crosswalk. If a pedestrian crosses the street outside of a crosswalk and is struck by a vehicle, the driver may not be held responsible for the accident.

What Are Common Injuries in San Diego Pedestrian Accidents?

Due to the lack of any protection, pedestrians who have been struck by a vehicle are likely to suffer serious injuries, even if the vehicle was traveling at a relatively low speed. Some of the most common injuries sustained in pedestrian accidents include:

• Broken bones
• Soft tissue damage
• Internal organ damage
• Spinal cord injuries
• Paralysis
• Brain injuries
• Amputations
• Crush injuries
• Disfigurement
• Death

Many of these injuries require extensive medical treatment and ongoing, long-term care. In some cases, victims may never fully recover and may be left with permanent disabilities.

How We Can Help

At Wisner Law Firm, our San Diego pedestrian accident lawyers are dedicated to helping victims and their families recover the fair settlements they are owed. We can help you understand your legal rights and options and can guide you through the claims process.

Our pedestrian accident attorneys in San Diego can help you by:

• Conducting a thorough investigation into the accident, including reviewing police reports, interviewing witnesses, and gathering any available evidence
• Working with accident reconstruction experts and other professionals to help prove liability
• Calculating the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering
• Negotiating with the insurance company on your behalf
• Preparing your case for trial and representing you in court, if necessary

Our firm has successfully recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients, and we are prepared to fight for you.

How to Avoid a Pedestrian Accident in San Diego

Walking is a convenient and eco-friendly way to get around. However, walking near traffic does come with a certain level of risk. In order to protect yourself and avoid a pedestrian accident, you should follow all traffic laws and take certain safety precautions.

Some of the most important safety tips for pedestrians in San Diego include:

• Use designated crosswalks: Whenever possible, you should cross the street at a designated crosswalk. Look both ways before crossing, and only cross when it is safe to do so.
• Make yourself visible: If you are walking at night, you should wear bright and/or reflective clothing to help drivers see you. You should also carry a flashlight.
• Stay on the sidewalk: If there is a sidewalk available, you should always use it. If there is no sidewalk, you should walk facing traffic and as far to the side of the road as possible.
• Do not walk under the influence: Just like you should never drive under the influence, you should also never walk under the influence. Alcohol and certain medications can impair your judgment and reaction time, making it more difficult to avoid an accident.

By following these safety tips, you can help reduce your risk of being involved in a pedestrian accident. However, even if you take all the necessary precautions, you may still be struck by a negligent driver. If this happens, you should speak to a San Diego pedestrian accident lawyer about your legal rights and options.

Contact us today at (855) 948-5098 to let us fight for you!