[12-04-2024] San Diego County, CA – Elderly Pedestrians Get Severely Injured by a Vehicle in Chula Vista
Chula Vista, San Diego County – A car struck a 77-year-old woman and an 82-year-old man on a South Bay street Tuesday morning, leaving both with serious injuries.
The incident occurred shortly before 9:30 a.m. in the 600 block of J Street in Chula Vista, police said. The pedestrians were reportedly crossing outside a designated crosswalk.
Emergency responders transported the pair to a hospital, where they were listed in serious but stable condition, according to Officer Justin Turner.
Authorities stated there was no indication that alcohol or drugs played a role in the crash.
Source: Times of San Diego
How Can Pedestrians Claim Compensation?
Pedestrians injured in a vehicle collision can pursue compensation by following these steps:
1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention
- Obtain medical documentation of injuries, as this will serve as key evidence in a claim.
2. Gather Evidence
- Police Report: Obtain a copy of the California accident police report filed by the responding officers.
- Witness Statements: Collect contact information and statements from anyone who saw the accident.
- Photos or Videos: Document the scene, injuries, and any relevant road signs or conditions.
3. Determine Liability
- Even if the pedestrians were jaywalking, partial liability laws may allow for compensation if the driver was also negligent (e.g., speeding, distracted driving).
4. File a Claim with the Driver’s Insurance
- Notify the at-fault driver’s insurance company of the incident and submit a claim for damages (medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and suffering).
5. Consider Comparative Fault
- In states with comparative negligence laws, compensation may be reduced based on the pedestrians’ share of fault. For example, if jaywalking contributed to the accident, the settlement may be adjusted accordingly.
6. Seek Compensation for All Damages
- Economic Damages: Medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost income.
- Non-Economic Damages: Pain and suffering, emotional distress.
7. Engage a Personal Injury Attorney
- A California pedestrian accident lawyer can assess the case, negotiate with insurance companies, and file a lawsuit if necessary. This is particularly important in cases involving disputed liability or severe injuries.
8. File a Lawsuit (if needed)
- If the insurance company denies or undervalues the claim, the pedestrians can file a personal injury lawsuit within the statute of limitations for their jurisdiction.
Even if the pedestrians were partially at fault, they may still be entitled to compensation under shared liability laws. Consulting with a qualified personal injury lawyer is essential to ensure they receive fair compensation.
Are you looking for a personal injury lawyer in Chula Vista? My Lawyer Mark and his team of experts can fight to give you justice and obtain the maximum compensation to cover all your damages. Call (866) 721-5808 to schedule a free consultation today. If you also need a copy of this or any other accident police report, you can request it for free by filling out this contact form:
