Transient Fatally Struck in Pedestrian Crash
Police have identified a transient man who was fatally struck in a pedestrian crash in Mission Valley, according to recent reports. Police believe the 65-year-old man may have been bicycling at the time of the crash, when he was struck by a BMW traveling east on Friars Road as he attempted to cross near Rio Bonito Way.
The victim was pronounced dead at the scene. The 22-year-old driver was treated for minor injuries. No charges have been filed at this time.
Pedestrian Accidents in San Diego—A Growing Problem
San Diego saw 54 fatal pedestrian accidents in 2013. Currently, experts estimate that a pedestrian dies once every week to ten days in San Diego, making the city one of the most dangerous for pedestrians in the state. By comparison, Los Angeles saw 211 pedestrian-involved accidents that year while San Francisco saw 21.
Experts attribute the high pedestrian accident rate to several factors. First, the warm weather that prevails in San Diego year-round means thatmore people will probably be walking than in cooler parts of the state or country. Additionally, congestion in San Diego means that more drivers are sharing the road with pedestrians, leading to a higher likelihood of collisions. Finally, some experts speculate that the high number of hit-and-run accidents involving pedestrians may spring from the lack of license or insurance for many drivers, from outstanding criminal warrants for those drivers, or both.
What Happens When I Am Involved in a Pedestrian Accident?
A pedestrian crash can cause your entire life to change in just a few seconds. Pedestrians often suffer serious and long-term injuries such as spinal cord damage or traumatic brain injury. Pedestrians may also suffer contusions, bruises, broken bones, cuts and other physical trauma as well as pain, suffering and worry over their injuries. They may be unable to work for extended periods of time, causing themselves and their families to suffer financially. Added to all of this, the driver’s insurance company may try to blame the victim and deny payment for these expenses.
If you have suffered injury in a pedestrian accident, call today for a free consultation with Daniel M. Gilleon, a San Diego personal injury attorney with many years of experience in helping those who are victims. Dan Gilleon will help you understand the facts about your case and advise you on the best way to recover compensation for your injuries.
