Pedestrian Hit by Car in San Diego Left-Turn Crash

70-Year-Old Pedestrian Suffers Broken Hip in Left-Turn Collision Near Genesee Avenue and Mount Alifan Drive in San DiegoOverview of the IncidentOn Thursday afternoon, December 4, 2025, a 70-year-old woman sustained a broken hip after being struck by a vehicle near the intersection of Genesee Avenue and Mount Alifan Drive in San Diego. According to preliminary information from the San Diego Police Department, the collision occurred around 1:25 p.m. when a white Mercedes-Benz attempting a left turn struck the woman as she was walking in the area, moving east from Genesee Avenue and heading toward Mount Alifan Drive. She was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the driver remained at the scene or reported injuries, and the Traffic Division continues to investigate the circumstances and cause of the crash.While details remain under review, collisions involving turning vehicles and pedestrians are a well-recognized safety issue, especially for older adults who may face a higher risk of serious injury. Understanding how these crashes occur, what investigators examine, and how California law addresses pedestrian right-of-way can help families navigate the aftermath.Why Left-Turn Collisions Are Especially Dangerous for PedestriansLeft turns are among the most hazardous maneuvers for drivers and pedestrians alike. Several factors can contribute to risk during a left turn:- Visibility limitations: A vehicle’s A-pillars, mirror placement, and sun glare can obscure pedestrians approaching from the driver’s left. Afternoon lighting can also create contrast and shadowing that reduce visibility.- Speed and timing: Drivers often judge gaps in oncoming traffic while trying to turn, which can draw attention away from scanning crosswalks or curb ramps.- Signal phasing: At intersections with permissive left turns (where a green signal allows turns after yielding), some drivers misinterpret right-of-way or focus primarily on opposing vehicle traffic.- Multiple lanes: Wider arterial roads can create more complex sight lines and longer exposure time for pedestrians crossing.Older adults face elevated risk for serious injury from impacts at relatively low speeds due to bone density, balance, and recovery considerations. A broken hip is a significant injury that often requires surgery and extensive rehabilitation, underscoring the importance of thorough investigation and careful follow-up care.California Right-of-Way Rules Relevant to This Crash TypeCalifornia law provides strong protection for pedestrians, while also requiring due care from everyone using the road:- Drivers turning left must yield: Drivers intending to turn left must yield to oncoming traffic and any pedestrians lawfully within an intersection or marked/unmarked crosswalk.- Pedestrian right-of-way: Pedestrians have the right-of-way in marked and unmarked crosswalks at intersections. Motorists must exercise due care to avoid hitting pedestrians and must slow down and provide audible warnings when necessary.- Pedestrian duties: Pedestrians should not suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle that is so close as to create an immediate hazard. Everyone has a duty to use reasonable care, and investigators look closely at movements and timings of both the pedestrian and the driver.These rules are applied to the specific facts of each collision. The outcome of any liability assessment depends on the complete evidence record, including traffic controls, crossing location, driver speed, signal phase, and the visibility environment at the time.What Investigators Typically Examine After a Pedestrian CollisionTraffic investigators and insurance carriers often evaluate:- Intersection design and control: Whether there was a marked crosswalk, stop line, protected or permissive left-turn signal, pedestrian countdown signal, or leading pedestrian interval.- Signal timing and phasing: The exact phase of the light for both the turning vehicle and pedestrian at the moment of impact.- Scene documentation: Roadway measurements