A pedestrian was injured in a San Diego car accident after he was struck near a Valley Center intersection, the afternoon of April 12, 2010. According to a news report in the North County Times, the pedestrian suffered injuries including a possible broken leg, when he was hit by a Chevy Lumina, on Cole Grade Road, near Horse Creek Road. California Highway Patrol officials said the victim, who has not yet been identified and described only as either a teenager or young adult, was transported to a local hospital for treatment of his injuries.

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I sincerely hope that this teenager did not sustain any major or catastrophic injuries in this collision. I wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep him in your prayers.

Pedestrian Accidents in San Diego

According to CHP's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 23 fatalities and 533 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in San Diego, California. Countywide, 63 fatalities and 993 injuries were reported as a result of pedestrian accidents during the same year.

Accident Causes

Based on this news report, it is not clear exactly how or why this pedestrian collision occurred. There are more questions than answers here. Where was the boy walking at the time? Was he crossing the street or walking along the side of the road? Was the driver under the influence? Was he or she distracted, speeding or otherwise driving negligently at the time? Was the teenager walking in a crosswalk? Who had right-of-way at the time of the collision? These are some of the questions officials should answer in order to determine the circumstances and cause of this crash.

Right-of-Way and Liability Issues

California law requires drivers to yield right-of-way to pedestrians who are crossing in crosswalks or at intersections. 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."

In such cases, injured victims would be well-advised to contact an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all facets of the accident and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also be able to determine whether a dangerous or defective roadway caused or contributed to the accident. If that was the case, the governmental entity responsible for maintaining that roadway could be held liable. Any such claim against a California public entity must be properly filed within 180 days of the accident or injury.

None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.