Dedicated San Diego Pedestrian Accident Attorneys Committed to Your Recovery

Every day, San Diego pedestrians get more exposed. Increased traffic jams, distracted drivers, and poor infrastructure all translate to serious injuries. Vision Zero San Diego informs us that the city is working towards eliminating traffic deaths, yet the dangers remain. When negligence occurs, you need a law firm that responds quickly, holds individuals accountable, and prevails.

At Gershen Law, we act fast, aggressively from the moment you first call. We understand what a devastating experience an accident can be for a pedestrian — physically, emotionally, and financially. So, we build tough cases designed to maximize your award and achieve justice for you.

Steps to Take Immediately After a Pedestrian Accident in San Diego

When a pedestrian accident happens, chaos often follows. However, knowing exactly what to do can make all the difference. At Gershen Law, our seasoned San Diego pedestrian accident attorneys are ready to stand by your side from the very first moment. Following these essential steps will not only protect your health but also strengthen your injury claim.

1. Seek Immediate Medical Treatment

First and foremost, prioritize your health. Even if you feel fine, hidden injuries like internal bleeding, traumatic brain injuries, or spinal damage can surface hours or even days later. Therefore, you should visit a trusted emergency room such as Scripps Mercy Hospital or UC San Diego Health immediately after the accident. Prompt medical care creates vital documentation that insurance companies and courts take seriously. Without it, your case could suffer.

Additionally, follow all recommended treatments and attend all follow-up appointments. Gaps in medical care often give insurance adjusters ammunition to question the severity of your injuries.

2. Contact Law Enforcement and File a Police Report

Right after securing medical care, you must call 911 and request a police response. In San Diego, officers from the San Diego Police Department will respond, investigate the scene, and create an official accident report. This report often contains crucial evidence such as witness statements, driver admissions, and the officer’s initial assessment of fault.

Without a police report, proving negligence becomes much harder. Insurance companies may deny your claim or offer you a fraction of what you deserve.

3. Document the Scene Thoroughly

If you can move safely, start documenting the accident scene immediately. Use your phone to capture:

• Wide shots and close-ups of the crash site
• Photos of visible injuries and torn clothing
• Images of skid marks, traffic signs, and crosswalk signals
• License plates and vehicle damage

Also, collect the names, phone numbers, and email addresses of any witnesses. Their testimonies can significantly bolster your case. In areas like Downtown San Diego or Mission Beach, nearby businesses may have surveillance cameras. Our legal team acts fast to recover this evidence before it gets overwritten or deleted.

4. Avoid Speaking with Insurance Adjusters

Within hours or days of your accident, you may receive a call from the driver’s insurance company. They will seem sympathetic — but make no mistake, their goal is to minimize your payout. Politely decline to give a recorded statement. Instead, direct all communication to your legal team.

At Gershen Law, our San Diego car accident lawyers are skilled at handling aggressive insurance companies. We protect you from traps, lowball offers, and tactics designed to weaken your case.

5. Contact Gershen Law Immediately

Finally, do not wait to get legal help. Evidence disappears quickly. Witnesses’ memories fade. Surveillance footage gets erased. Calling our experienced San Diego pedestrian accident attorneys early ensures that your case starts strong and stays strong.

We will immediately launch a thorough investigation, gather critical evidence, connect you with top medical providers, and start negotiations with the at-fault parties. Our team works relentlessly to maximize your settlement — or, if necessary, win your case in court.

San Diego is a City Meant to Be Walked — Let Us Help Protect Your Right to Walk It Safely

You deserve to walk freely through beautiful communities like Little Italy, North Park, and La Jolla without fear. If negligence stole that right from you, let us fight to make it right.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in San Diego

San Diego offers stunning weather, beautiful neighborhoods, and miles of walkable streets. However, walking in this vibrant city also comes with serious risks. Every year, thousands of pedestrians are injured due to negligent drivers, poorly maintained roadways, and dangerous intersections. At Gershen Law, our San Diego pedestrian accident attorneys have seen firsthand how a simple walk can end in tragedy.

Knowing the leading causes of pedestrian accidents helps you stay alert — and helps us build a stronger case when you are injured.

1. Distracted Driving

In today’s world, distraction behind the wheel is rampant. Drivers texting, checking GPS, eating, or adjusting music take their eyes off the road — often at the worst moments. Areas near Petco Park and Seaport Village are especially dangerous, where foot traffic and distracted drivers collide. Sadly, distracted driving remains a leading cause of severe pedestrian injuries throughout San Diego County.

2. Speeding in Pedestrian Zones

Speed limits exist to protect everyone, especially those on foot. Yet many drivers ignore posted limits in busy districts like Hillcrest, Ocean Beach, and near San Diego State University. Speeding reduces a driver’s reaction time, making it nearly impossible to stop for a pedestrian crossing legally. High-speed impacts cause catastrophic injuries — and often, wrongful deaths.

3. Failing to Yield at Crosswalks

California law is clear: drivers must yield to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks. However, many motorists disregard these rules, especially at intersections along University Avenue, El Cajon Boulevard, and Garnet Avenue. When drivers rush through crosswalks, pedestrians pay the price. Our legal team uses witness statements, surveillance footage, and traffic data to prove violations and hold reckless drivers accountable.

4. Impaired Driving (DUI)

Despite strict DUI laws, intoxicated driving remains a devastating problem in San Diego. Drunk or drug-impaired drivers suffer from poor judgment, delayed reflexes, and blurred vision — a deadly combination for pedestrians. Whether the crash happened near nightlife areas like Gaslamp Quarter or along Interstate 5 corridors, Gershen Law aggressively pursues impaired drivers for full damages.

If you or a loved one suffered due to a drunk driver, learn how our San Diego DUI accident lawyers can fight for your rights.

5. Poorly Designed or Maintained Roadways

Some pedestrian accidents result not from negligent drivers but from hazardous streets and intersections. Broken traffic signals, faded crosswalks, missing pedestrian signage, and dangerous sidewalk conditions are all common problems in San Diego. Areas undergoing heavy construction, like Downtown’s East Village, pose extra risks. In such cases, government entities or property owners may share responsibility for your injuries.

6. Rideshare and Delivery Driver Negligence

The explosion of Uber, Lyft, Amazon, and food delivery services has added a new layer of danger for San Diego pedestrians. Drivers rushing to complete fares often speed, ignore crosswalks, or drive distracted. If you were struck by a rideshare or delivery vehicle, your claim may involve complex insurance issues. Our rideshare accident attorneys are equipped to take on large corporations and secure full compensation for you.

Pedestrians Should Feel Safe in San Diego — We Make Sure You Get Justice When That Safety Is Violated

When you walk through communities like Coronado, La Mesa, or Point Loma, you expect drivers to share the road responsibly. When they don’t, Gershen Law is here to demand justice on your behalf.

Reach out to our San Diego pedestrian accident attorneys today for a free case evaluation.

Types of Pedestrian Accident Cases We Handle in San Diego

At Gershen Law, we know no two pedestrian accidents are alike. Every location, driver action, and victim experience brings its own set of legal challenges. Our San Diego pedestrian accident attorneys have the skill and resources to handle every kind of pedestrian injury claim — no matter how complex or severe.

Below are the most common pedestrian accident scenarios we see across San Diego County.

Crosswalk Accidents at Dangerous Intersections

Marked or unmarked, crosswalks should be safe zones for pedestrians. Sadly, many drivers fail to yield even when pedestrians have the right of way.

Busy Intersection Dangers in San Diego

High-traffic areas like the intersections of Fifth Avenue and University Avenue or Broadway and Front Street are particularly hazardous. Drivers often speed through lights, ignore stop signs, or roll through right-hand turns without checking for foot traffic.

When you are hit in a crosswalk, proving driver negligence is critical. At Gershen Law, we immediately gather traffic camera footage, witness testimony, and black box vehicle data to build a strong claim.

Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Accidents

Hit-and-run collisions devastate families across San Diego every year. Whether near Balboa Park or outside the San Diego Convention Center, drivers fleeing the scene only compound the tragedy.

Legal Challenges of Hit-and-Run Cases

Pursuing justice after a hit-and-run requires fast action. We work closely with local law enforcement, tap into security footage from businesses, and access traffic cameras to identify fleeing drivers. Even if the driver is never found, you may still be eligible for compensation through uninsured motorist coverage or crime victim funds.

Learn more about hit-and-run claims from the California DMV.

Parking Lot and Backing-Up Accidents

Pedestrian accidents don’t just happen on busy roads. They happen in parking lots, driveways, and garages every day.

Common Parking Lot Collision Risks

Retail centers like Fashion Valley Mall, UTC Westfield, and strip malls throughout Clairemont are prime spots for pedestrian incidents. Drivers backing up without checking mirrors or speeding through pedestrian zones often cause serious injuries — even at low speeds.

Although these accidents may seem minor, injuries like fractures, concussions, and soft tissue trauma are common and costly.

Speeding and Distracted Driver Incidents

Drivers who speed or drive distracted through neighborhoods like Pacific Beach, North Park, or Normal Heights pose serious dangers.

Why Speeding and Distraction Are Deadly

A distracted driver traveling just 35 mph needs twice the distance to stop compared to an alert driver. Add in speeding, and pedestrians are at an even greater risk. We work to uncover cellphone records, app data (like rideshare activity), and eyewitness statements to prove driver negligence beyond doubt.

Pedestrian Accidents Involving Rideshare and Delivery Drivers

The growth of rideshare services and rapid delivery companies has created new dangers for San Diego pedestrians.

Challenges in Uber, Lyft, and Amazon Accident Claims

Drivers for Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, and Amazon often rush between pickups and deliveries, leading to reckless driving. If you are hit by a rideshare or delivery driver, your case may involve multiple insurance companies and complex policies.

At Gershen Law, our rideshare accident attorneys specialize in navigating these complicated claims, ensuring that all responsible parties are held accountable.

School Zone and Child Pedestrian Accidents

Children walking near schools in communities like La Jolla, Chula Vista, and Carmel Valley are particularly vulnerable.

Protecting the Youngest Pedestrians

Drivers speeding through school zones or ignoring crossing guards create catastrophic risks. Injuries involving children often involve long-term disabilities, emotional trauma, and extensive future care needs.

Our San Diego pedestrian accident attorneys fight aggressively to secure lifetime care costs and damages when young victims are injured.

Pedestrian Accidents Caused by Unsafe Road Conditions

Sometimes, a pedestrian accident happens not because of a reckless driver — but because of poor infrastructure.

When Government Entities Are Responsible

Faded crosswalks, broken sidewalks, missing signs, and malfunctioning traffic lights in places like Barrio Logan or City Heights create serious dangers. In these cases, we pursue claims against cities, counties, or property owners for failing to maintain safe walking conditions.

However, claims against public entities involve shorter deadlines and strict procedures. That’s why contacting Gershen Law quickly is so important after your accident.

How Gershen Law Fights for Maximum Compensation for Pedestrian Victims

At Gershen Law, we understand that a pedestrian accident does more than just cause injuries. It disrupts your health, career, finances, and emotional well-being. Our San Diego pedestrian accident attorneys are relentless in the pursuit of full and fair compensation for every client we serve.

We don’t believe in quick, low settlements. Instead, we build powerful cases designed to force insurance companies and negligent parties to pay what you truly deserve.

Thorough Investigation of the Accident Scene

Winning your case starts with uncovering exactly what happened. Every successful claim is built on strong evidence and strategic action from the start.

Key Steps in Our Investigation Process

• Securing traffic camera footage and surveillance videos from businesses, residential areas, and government sources
• Interviewing eyewitnesses immediately while memories remain fresh
• Analyzing crash reports from the San Diego Police Department for key negligence indicators
• Pulling cellphone and app data to prove driver distraction
• Hiring accident reconstruction experts to show exactly how the crash occurred

Early and aggressive investigation often makes the difference between a denied claim and a six-figure recovery.

Working With Top Medical Experts and Specialists

Insurance companies will try to downplay your injuries. We refuse to let them.

Why Medical Documentation Is Critical

We partner with San Diego’s top neurologists, orthopedic surgeons, spinal specialists, and trauma experts. These professionals help us document the full scope of your injuries — not just how you feel today, but how your injuries will impact your life for years to come.

We also work with vocational experts and life care planners to calculate future medical needs, lost earning capacity, and long-term rehabilitation costs. These detailed reports help drive higher settlement offers and stronger jury verdicts.

Calculating All Categories of Recoverable Damages

Pedestrian accident victims are entitled to more than just their current medical bills. At Gershen Law, we demand compensation for every way your life has been impacted.

Damages We Fight to Recover Include:

• Emergency medical treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, and rehabilitation
• Long-term care costs, including home health aides and assistive devices
• Lost income and diminished future earning capacity
• Pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life
• Emotional distress, PTSD, and psychological counseling
• Permanent disability, disfigurement, or scarring
• Punitive damages in cases of DUI, extreme recklessness, or hit-and-run

Unlike many firms, we carefully document future costs — so you’re not left struggling years after your case is resolved.

Standing Up to Insurance Companies — And Taking Cases to Trial

Insurance adjusters are trained to protect profits, not victims. They use delay tactics, blame games, and lowball offers to reduce your payout.

Our Approach to Insurance Negotiations and Litigation

At Gershen Law, we prepare every pedestrian accident case as if it’s going to trial from day one. Why? Because real preparation earns real respect from insurance companies.

• We submit comprehensive demand packages backed by irrefutable evidence.
• We reject unfair offers and fight aggressively during settlement negotiations.
• If a fair settlement is not offered, we confidently take cases before a judge and jury.

Our litigation team is highly experienced in San Diego courtrooms, giving you a major advantage when trials become necessary.

Learn more about personal injury trial processes at San Diego County Superior Court.

Your Fight for Justice Starts With Gershen Law

Choosing the right legal team after a pedestrian accident can determine the entire course of your recovery. At Gershen Law, we are ready to fight for every dollar, every right, and every bit of justice you deserve.

Contact our San Diego pedestrian accident attorneys today for a free consultation. There’s no fee unless we win your case.

Frequently Asked Questions About San Diego Pedestrian Accident Attorneys

Pedestrian accidents leave victims with many questions about their rights, recovery, and legal options. Our San Diego pedestrian accident attorneys are here to answer your most important questions and guide you every step of the way.

What Should I Do Immediately After a Pedestrian Accident?

First, seek immediate medical attention, even if you feel fine. Then, call law enforcement to file an accident report. Gather evidence if you are able — photos, witness contact information, and scene details. Finally, contact an experienced San Diego pedestrian accident lawyer to protect your rights before speaking to insurance companies.

How Long Do I Have To File A Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit In California?

In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit under California law. However, if your claim involves a government entity — for example, due to unsafe public sidewalks or intersections — you may have as little as six months to act. Early consultation with a pedestrian accident attorney ensures critical deadlines are met.

Can I Still Recover Compensation If I Was Partially At Fault?

Yes, you can. California follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule. This means even if you were partly responsible, you can still recover damages — although your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% at fault, your award would be reduced by 20%.

What Types Of Compensation Can I Recover After A Pedestrian Accident?

Our San Diego pedestrian accident attorneys pursue every available category of damages, including:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and reduced earning ability
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Punitive damages in cases involving drunk or reckless drivers

Each case is unique, and we fight to ensure every loss you suffer is properly valued and recovered.

How Much Does It Cost To Hire A San Diego Pedestrian Accident Attorney?

At Gershen Law, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid when we win your case. Our commitment ensures that every injured pedestrian has access to top-quality legal representation — regardless of financial situation.

Still Have Questions? Let Gershen Law Help

No question is too small when your recovery and future are on the line. Contact our San Diego pedestrian accident attorneys today for a free, no-obligation case review. We are ready to fight for you — starting today.

Injured In A San Diego Pedestrian Accident? Contact Gershen Law Today

A pedestrian accident can change your life in an instant. Medical bills pile up, pain lingers, and uncertainty about the future becomes overwhelming. You deserve more than just hope — you deserve experienced legal advocates who will fight for your full recovery.

At Gershen Law, our San Diego pedestrian accident attorneys treat every case like it’s personal. From your first call to your final settlement or verdict, we work relentlessly to secure the compensation you deserve and the peace of mind you need.

We know the streets of San Diego. We know the tactics insurance companies use. Most importantly, we know how to win for injured pedestrians.

Why Choose Gershen Law To Handle Your Pedestrian Accident Case?

• Proven record of success handling serious injury claims
• Local knowledge of San Diego traffic patterns and high-risk zones
• Aggressive negotiation and litigation strategies
• 24/7 availability to answer your questions
• No fees unless we win — guaranteed

Start Your Path To Recovery Today

You don’t have to navigate the aftermath of a pedestrian accident alone. Let Gershen Law stand beside you and fight for the justice you deserve.

Schedule your free consultation now and take the first step toward your full recovery.
There’s absolutely no risk — only the chance to get your life back on track.