Khashayar Law Group represents San Diego pedestrians injured in crosswalk and intersection collisions under California Vehicle Code §§21950–21955 and related statutes. ABOTA-member trial counsel with over $165 million recovered firm-wide.
Pedestrian Accidents in San Diego
San Diego’s walkable Downtown core, Gaslamp Quarter, Pacific Beach, North Park, and Hillcrest mean significant pedestrian traffic mixing with cars, rideshare, bikes, and scooters. The City of San Diego’s Vision Zero program tracks the “Fatal 15” corridors — the 15 streets responsible for a disproportionate share of severe and fatal pedestrian collisions, including stretches of El Cajon Boulevard, Mira Mesa Boulevard, University Avenue, and Imperial Avenue.
California Pedestrian Law
- California Vehicle Code §21950 — Right of Way at Crosswalks. Drivers must yield the right of way to pedestrians crossing within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection.
- California Vehicle Code §21950.5 — Crosswalk Definition. Defines crosswalks broadly to include unmarked crosswalks at intersections.
- California Vehicle Code §21954 — pedestrians outside crosswalks must yield to vehicles, but drivers must still exercise due care.
- California Vehicle Code §21955 — Jaywalking. Was significantly reformed by AB 2147 (the “Freedom to Walk Act,” effective Jan 1, 2023), which prohibits citations for jaywalking unless there is an immediate hazard.
- California Civil Code §1431.2 — pure comparative fault still applies.
Deadlines
- CCP §335.1 — two-year personal injury statute.
- Government Code §911.2 — six months for public-entity claims (dangerous intersection, malfunctioning crosswalk signal, missing signage).
- CCP §377.60 — wrongful death rules apply in fatal pedestrian cases.
Evidence in San Diego Pedestrian Accident Cases
- Police or California Highway Patrol traffic collision report;
- Photographs of the scene, crosswalk markings, signs, signals, and vehicle damage;
- Surveillance footage from nearby businesses (often the most important evidence — must be requested within days);
- Witness names and statements;
- Driver’s phone records (distracted driving evidence);
- Medical records and bills;
- Independent accident reconstruction in serious cases;
- Driver’s vehicle EDR data;
- Public-entity records of prior complaints, prior crashes, or notice of the dangerous condition.
Who May Be Liable
- The driver of the striking vehicle;
- The driver’s employer (if the driver was working);
- The vehicle’s owner (permissive use, Vehicle Code §17150);
- A public entity (City of San Diego, County, Caltrans) for dangerous intersection design, missing signage, malfunctioning signals, or a known dangerous condition under Government Code §835;
- A bar or social host in limited dram-shop cases;
- A construction contractor responsible for inadequate work-zone signage.
Damages Available
- Medical expenses, including future care (pedestrian collisions often produce catastrophic injuries: TBI, fractures, spinal cord injuries);
- Lost earnings and lost future earning capacity;
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress;
- Wrongful death damages under CCP §377.60 in fatal cases;
- Punitive damages under Civil Code §3294 in DUI or other egregious cases.
Why Khashayar Law Group for a San Diego Pedestrian Claim
The firm handles pedestrian and vulnerable-road-user cases as part of its bike and pedestrian accidents practice. Across all personal injury matters, Khashayar Law Group has recovered more than $165 million. Daryoosh Khashayar is an ABOTA member — see his attorney bio.
Frequently Asked Questions — San Diego Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Do drivers always have to yield to pedestrians in San Diego?
Drivers must yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks and in unmarked crosswalks at intersections under California Vehicle Code §21950. Outside those crosswalks, pedestrians must yield to vehicles under §21954, but drivers must still exercise due care to avoid collisions.
Was I “jaywalking” if I crossed mid-block?
California’s Freedom to Walk Act (AB 2147, effective Jan 1, 2023) prohibits citations for jaywalking unless there is an immediate hazard. Crossing outside a crosswalk is not automatic comparative fault. The question is whether the pedestrian acted reasonably and whether the driver exercised due care.
Can I sue a city for a dangerous intersection?
Yes — under California Government Code §835 (dangerous condition of public property). A written government claim must be filed within six months under §911.2. Cities can be held responsible for dangerous design, missing or malfunctioning signals, missing signage, and other known hazards.
How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident lawsuit in California?
Two years from injury under CCP §335.1. Six months under Government Code §911.2 if a public entity contributed.
How much does a San Diego pedestrian accident attorney cost?
Khashayar Law Group works on contingency. No attorney fee unless we recover. Free initial consultation.
Source note. California Vehicle Code §§21950–21955 governs pedestrian right-of-way. AB 2147 took effect January 1, 2023. See the firm’s editorial policy. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
