(San Diego, CA) A 35-year-old man suffered serious injuries Friday night, November 21, in a Garnet Avenue crash after being struck by a motorcyclist while crossing the street against a signal in Pacific Beach.
According to the San Diego Police Department, the collision occurred around 9:20 p.m. in the 1900 block of Garnet Avenue. Investigators said the man walked southbound in the east crosswalk of Garnet. At the crossing, he walked against a red “Don’t Walk” signal when he was hit by a 21-year-old rider on a Suzuki 1500 motorcycle traveling eastbound.
The pedestrian sustained multiple serious injuries, including a lacerated liver, fractured femur, and several other broken bones, police said. He was transported to a local hospital for emergency treatment. The motorcyclist suffered abrasions, though it was unclear if he required hospitalization.
Police said DUI is not suspected as a factor in the collision. Anyone with information about the crash is urged to contact San Diego Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.
Overview on the Garnet Avenue Crash
When a pedestrian crosses against a signal, several California laws come into play during the investigation. The Pedestrian Signal Law prohibits entering a crosswalk when the “Don’t Walk” signal is displayed. However, even if the pedestrian is at fault, drivers are still obligated to exercise caution.
Under the Duty to Exercise Due Care Law, motorists must use every reasonable precaution to avoid colliding with pedestrians, even when the pedestrian violates traffic signals.
Finally, the Basic Speed Law requires that drivers operate their vehicles at speeds safe for current conditions, such as nighttime visibility or pedestrian traffic in busy areas like Pacific Beach. These statutes will help determine whether any additional factors contributed to the Garnet Avenue crash.
Support for the Victim
If you are a relative or representative of the injured pedestrian, you should remain in contact with the San Diego Police Department’s Traffic Division to obtain updates and request the official collision report once available. This report will clarify details surrounding the crash and may assist with insurance or legal claims.
You may also wish to consult a personal injury attorney experienced in pedestrian and motorcycle collisions. Legal counsel can help evaluate medical expenses, lost income, and potential liability in complex cases like this.
Finally, focus on recovery and emotional well-being. Local rehabilitation services and trauma recovery programs in San Diego can offer both physical and emotional support during the healing process.
If you have any concerns about navigating the legal process surrounding this incident, call 866-883-4318 to speak with a lawyer.
