Serious Motorcycle-Pedestrian Collision in Pacific Beach

Serious Pedestrian Injury in Pacific Beach Collision on Garnet Avenue

A pedestrian suffered significant injuries after being struck by a motorcycle in San Diego’s Pacific Beach neighborhood on Friday night, November 21, 2025. The crash occurred around 9:20 p.m. in the 1900 block of Garnet Avenue, a busy corridor lined with shops and nightlife that often sees heavy weekend foot and vehicle traffic.

According to preliminary information from the San Diego Police Department, a 35-year-old man was walking southbound in the east crosswalk when he entered against a red “Don’t Walk” signal. At the same time, a 21-year-old man traveling eastbound on a Suzuki 1500 motorcycle collided with the pedestrian within the same block of Garnet Avenue. The pedestrian sustained serious trauma, including a lacerated liver, a fractured femur, and additional fractures. Paramedics transported him to a local hospital for emergency care. The motorcyclist reportedly suffered multiple abrasions. It was not immediately known whether he was transported for additional medical evaluation. Authorities noted that DUI is not suspected at this time, and the crash remains under investigation.

What We Know So Far

- Time and location: Approximately 9:20 p.m., 1900 block of Garnet Avenue, Pacific Beach.
- Parties involved: A 35-year-old pedestrian and a 21-year-old motorcyclist on a Suzuki 1500, both traveling eastbound in the vicinity of the intersection/crosswalk.
- Initial details: The pedestrian entered the crosswalk against a steady “Don’t Walk” signal; the motorcycle was traveling eastbound through the area.
- Injuries: The pedestrian sustained serious internal and orthopedic injuries; the motorcyclist suffered abrasions.
- Investigation: Alcohol is not suspected. Authorities are evaluating factors such as signal timing, travel speeds, visibility, lighting conditions, and right-of-way.

Although initial reports note that the pedestrian entered against a traffic signal, California uses a comparative negligence system. Fault is not all-or-nothing and can be apportioned among multiple parties depending on the evidence. Investigators will assess whether vehicle speed, visibility, reaction times, roadway design, glare, or other conditions contributed to the collision.

Common Injuries in Pedestrian vs. Motorcycle Collisions

Pedestrian impacts often result in multi-system trauma due to the lack of protection:

- Internal injuries: Lacerations to organs such as the liver or spleen can be life-threatening and often require immediate surgical evaluation.
- Orthopedic trauma: Femur fractures and other long-bone fractures may require operative fixation and lengthy rehabilitation.
- Head and spinal injuries: Even without a direct head strike, secondary impacts can cause concussions or spinal strain.
- Soft tissue damage: Abrasions, contusions, and ligament injuries are common and can mask deeper trauma.

These injuries often involve complex care plans, including surgery, hospitalization, follow-up imaging, physical therapy, and long-term treatment.

Understanding California Law: Pedestrian Signals, Right of Way, and Comparative Fault

- Crosswalk signals: Pedestrians must obey pedestrian control signals. Entering a crosswalk during a steady “Don’t Walk” indication is a violation of traffic rules.
- Driver/motorcyclist duty of care: Motorists must exercise due care to avoid hitting pedestrians, slow down as needed, and remain vigilant—even when they have the right of way.
- Comparative negligence: Under California law, liability can be shared. A pedestrian who enters against a signal may still pursue a claim if other factors—such as excessive speed, failure to yield when reasonable, or inattention—played a role. Any recovery can be reduced by the pedestrian’s percentage of fault.
- Nighttime and visibility: Collisions after dark raise questions about lighting, reflective clothing, headlight use, and line-of-sight. Investigation into these conditions can be crucial in determining responsibility.

This serious collision on Garnet Avenue serves as a powerful reminder of how vulnerable pedestrians are—especially in busy nightlife districts where visibility, timing, and quick judgment calls all intersect. While early reports indicate the pedestrian entered the crosswalk against the signal, California’s comparative negligence system makes clear that fault is rarely black-and-white. A full investigation will examine whether speed, lighting, reaction time, roadway design, or other factors contributed to this traumatic event. Both the pedestrian and the motorcyclist now face the physical, emotional, and financial aftermath of a deeply disruptive crash.

At Avian Law Group, we understand the complexity of pedestrian and motorcycle collisions and the unique legal issues they raise. Even when a pedestrian may share some responsibility, they still have rights—and a thorough analysis of the circumstances can reveal additional contributing factors that impact liability. Serious injuries like those reported here often require extensive medical care, and victims deserve support, clarity, and strong advocacy throughout their recovery.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian or motorcycle collision, our team is ready to stand by your side. We offer compassionate, strategic representation aimed at uncovering the truth, protecting your rights, and securing the compensation needed to move forward. You don’t have to face this alone—Avian Law Group is here to help.