Serious Pedestrian Injury at Pacific Highway Intersection

Serious Pedestrian Injury at Pacific Highway and Sassafras Street in San Diego: What We Know and How Avian Law Group Can Help

Early-Morning Midtown Collision Under Investigation

A pedestrian suffered severe injuries after being struck by a vehicle at the intersection of Pacific Highway and Sassafras Street in the Midtown area of San Diego on Monday morning, October 27, 2025. According to the San Diego Police Department, a southbound 2020 Chrysler Pacifica collided with a male pedestrian who was in the roadway at approximately 5:00 a.m. First responders transported the victim to a nearby hospital with significant trauma, including a broken thighbone (femur), a fractured pelvis, and a compound lower-leg fracture. Authorities have not released additional details as the investigation is ongoing.

This stretch of Pacific Highway, located near the access routes to San Diego International Airport, often sees a mix of commuter traffic and early-morning travelers, which can create complex traffic patterns during dawn hours. While the precise cause of this collision has not been determined, early-hour incidents can involve visibility challenges, driver fatigue, and changing light conditions that may contribute to risk.

Common Factors Investigators Examine in Pedestrian Collisions

Every traffic collision is unique, and determining fault requires careful review of facts, physical evidence, and witness statements. In cases like this, investigators typically assess:

- Visibility and lighting conditions at the time of the crash (including dawn glare, street lighting, and weather)
- Driver attentiveness and potential distraction (e.g., mobile device use)
- Speed, braking distance, and whether the driver had a safe opportunity to avoid the pedestrian
- Pedestrian location relative to crosswalks, signals, and traffic controls
- Roadway design issues, signage, and any construction or lane closures
- Impairment by alcohol or drugs for any party, if suspected
- Vehicle data (event data recorders), skid marks, and damage profiles
- Video evidence from nearby businesses, traffic cameras, or dashcams

What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident

Taking the right steps immediately after a crash can protect your health and preserve your legal rights:

- Call 911: Report the collision and request emergency medical care. Ensure a police report is created.
- Get Medical Care: Even if injuries seem minor initially, seek evaluation. Some injuries, including internal trauma or head injuries, may not be immediately apparent.
- Document the Scene: If it is safe, take photos or videos of the vehicles, roadway, traffic controls, lighting conditions, and any visible injuries or debris.
- Collect Information: Obtain the driver’s name, contact details, driver’s license, license plate, and insurance information. Ask witnesses for their names and phone numbers.
- Avoid Recorded Statements: Do not provide recorded statements to insurance companies before speaking with an attorney.
- Preserve Evidence: Keep clothing, footwear, damaged personal items, and medical records. Note the exact time and location, and save any receipts or costs associated with treatment and transportation.
- Consult an Attorney: An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer can manage communications with insurers, investigate liability, and pursue compensation.

Understanding Liability and Insurance in California Pedestrian Cases

California law imposes a duty of care on both drivers and pedestrians. While drivers must yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and drive at a safe speed for the conditions, pedestrians also must follow traffic signals and avoid stepping into the path of an oncoming vehicle when it is unsafe. California follows a pure comparative negligence system, meaning each party can be assigned a percentage of fault. Even if a pedestrian is found partially responsible, they may still recover damages, reduced by their percentage of fault.

A serious pedestrian accident can change a life in an instant, leaving victims with significant injuries, medical bills, and emotional stress. Often caused by a driver’s negligence, these accidents can have long-lasting consequences for victims and their families. At Avian Law Group, we are dedicated to advocating for injured pedestrians, helping them pursue the compensation they need to recover and regain stability.

Our experienced legal team works closely with clients to navigate complex injury claims, protect their rights, and fight for fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a pedestrian accident, contact Avian Law Group today for a free, confidential consultation. We are here to help you seek justice and move forward with confidence.