Pedestrian Critically Injured in San Ysidro Crash

San Ysidro Pedestrian Suffers Life-Threatening Injuries After Vehicle Strike on East San Ysidro BoulevardOverview of the CrashAn 83-year-old pedestrian sustained life-threatening injuries after being struck by a vehicle in the 200 block of East San Ysidro Boulevard in San Diego County on Saturday evening, November 29, 2025. Authorities report that a 2011 Jeep Liberty, driven by a 71-year-old man, exited the freeway around 6:30 p.m. and was traveling westbound when it hit the pedestrian. The victim, who has not yet been publicly identified, was transported to a hospital with a pelvic fracture and a brain bleed—injuries that are particularly severe and high-risk for older adults. Alcohol is not believed to be a factor at this time, and the investigation remains ongoing.What Investigators May Look AtEvening collisions involving pedestrians often hinge on visibility, speed, roadway design, and right-of-way decisions made in the moments before impact. In a location such as East San Ysidro Boulevard near freeway access, investigators typically evaluate:- Lighting and visibility: Street lighting, glare from oncoming traffic, and the pedestrian’s clothing or visibility aids (reflective material, flashlight, mobility aids).- Road and traffic controls: Presence and placement of crosswalks, traffic signals, signage, and the timing of signal phases.- Driver behavior: Speed on approach after leaving the freeway, attentiveness, potential distraction (e.g., mobile devices), and lane positioning during the maneuver.- Pedestrian position and movement: Whether the pedestrian was within a marked crosswalk, crossing mid-block, or near a median or driveway.- Vehicle factors: Braking distance, tire marks, potential mechanical issues, and any event data recorder (“black box”) information that may reveal speed and braking.- Environmental conditions: Weather, roadway surface conditions, and the presence of construction or obstructions.Understanding the Injuries ReportedA pelvic fracture and an intracranial hemorrhage (brain bleed) are both critical injuries. For older adults, bone density and vascular fragility can make trauma especially dangerous. Pelvic fractures may be associated with internal bleeding and require surgery, extended hospitalization, and prolonged rehabilitation. Brain bleeds demand immediate and intensive care, with risks that include swelling, neurological deficits, and long-term cognitive impacts. These injuries often lead to substantial medical costs, extended recovery, and the need for ongoing support services.California Law and Pedestrian Right-of-WayCalifornia law requires drivers to exercise due care for the safety of pedestrians, particularly when approaching or entering crosswalks and intersections. Drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks at intersections and must slow down or stop as necessary to ensure the pedestrian’s safety. At the same time, pedestrians are expected to use care for their own safety, including obeying traffic signals.California follows a comparative negligence system. This means responsibility for a crash can be shared among the parties involved. Even if a pedestrian is found partially at fault, they may still recover compensation in proportion to the other party’s responsibility. Investigators and insurers will assess available evidence—surveillance footage, vehicle damage patterns, witness statements, and forensic analyses—to determine how liability should be assigned.Key Steps to Take After a Pedestrian AccidentA serious pedestrian collision can be chaotic and stressful. Structured steps can help protect health, preserve evidence, and support later evaluations of fault and damages:- Call 911 immediately: Ensure medical aid arrives quickly and that law enforcement documents the scene. The police report often becomes a central piece of evidence.- Seek comprehensive medical evaluation: Even if symptoms seem mild at first, internal injuries, brain trauma, and soft-tissue damage can emerge or worsen over time.- Document the scene if safe: Photograph the vehicle, skid marks, debris, roadway layout, traffic signals, lighting conditions