San Diego Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
Are You in Need of a San Diego Pedestrian Accident Attorney?
Walking should be one of the safest ways to get around San Diego. But tragically, a routine stroll can suddenly turn into a life-altering event. If you were struck by a car, truck, or rideshare vehicle while walking, you’re probably dealing with medical bills, lost wages, and physical or emotional trauma.
At Eugene Bruno & Associates, we represent pedestrians throughout San Diego who have been seriously injured by negligent drivers. Our legal team can help you understand your rights and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Why Choose Us Over Other Pedestrian Accident Attorneys in San Diego?
If you or a loved one was hit by a vehicle, don’t wait! Choosing the right law firm can make all the difference in your recovery. We don’t just process claims. We fight for people.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- 99.7% success rate across all personal injury cases
- Over 85 years of combined legal experience
- Over $100 million recovered for clients throughout San Diego
- Recognized by Expertise.com as one of the Best Personal Injury Lawyers in San Diego and El Cajon
- Named to The National Trial Lawyers Top 100
- A-rated by the BBB for trusted service
- We offer free consultations and you pay nothing unless we win
- We take a hands-on, personalized approach to every case
Hit While Walking? We Can Help
Call 1-888-BRUNO-88 (1-888-278-6688) now to speak with a San Diego pedestrian accident attorney and get the justice you deserve.
How an Experienced San Diego Pedestrian Accident Attorney Can Help
Pedestrian accident cases can be very complicated. Insurance companies may try to deny your claim, blame you for the accident, or offer you a quick lowball settlements that don’t reflect the true cost of your recovery. A skilled attorney can protect your rights from the very beginning.
Here’s how Eugene Bruno & Associates can help:
- Investigate the crash thoroughly, including traffic camera footage, witness interviews, and police reports
- Prove driver negligence, such as speeding, distracted driving, or failure to yield
- Work with medical experts to document the full extent of your injuries and future care needs
- Handle all communications with insurance companies so you don’t have to
- Negotiate for a fair settlement, or take the case to trial if necessary
- Pursue maximum compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and suffering
What’s the Legal Process for Filing a Pedestrian Accident Claim?
If you’ve been hit by a vehicle, the legal process generally involves a number of important steps to follow.
Free Consultation
You contact our office and speak with an experienced attorney. We’ll review the facts of your case, answer your questions, and explain your legal options.
Investigation
We begin gathering evidence to support your claim. This can include photographs of the scene, surveillance footage, eyewitness statements, crash reports, and medical records.
Filing a Claim
We prepare and file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance provider. This outlines your injuries, the driver’s negligence, and the damages you’re seeking.
Negotiations
We negotiate with the insurance company to pursue a full and fair settlement. Most cases settle out of court, but we’re always ready to go to trial if necessary.
Litigation (If Needed)
If a fair settlement can’t be reached, we file a lawsuit in court and represent your interests through trial.
How Driver Negligence Causes Pedestrian Injuries
Drivers have a legal duty to operate their vehicles safely and watch for pedestrians, especially in marked crosswalks, school zones, and neighborhoods. Unfortunately, negligent behavior behind the wheel is one of the leading causes of pedestrian injuries.
Common forms of driver negligence include:
- Failing to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Speeding, especially in residential or school zones
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Texting or using a phone while driving
- Reckless or aggressive driving
- Turning without checking for pedestrians in crosswalks
Even at low speeds, a vehicle striking a pedestrian can cause devastating or fatal injuries. We work to hold careless drivers fully accountable for the harm they cause.
What Is the Statute of Limitations in California?
In most pedestrian accident cases, you have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit in California. If a government vehicle or public entity (like a city bus or municipal worker) was involved, the time limit to file a claim may be as short as six months.
To protect your right to compensation, it’s important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible after the accident. Missing the filing deadline can result in losing your legal right to pursue damages.
We’ve Recovered Millions for Injury Victims
Let us help you too. Call 1-888-BRUNO-88 (1-888-278-6688) for a free consultation with a San Diego car accident attorney.
Injuries Caused by Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrians are incredibly vulnerable in collisions with vehicles. Unlike drivers and passengers, they don’t have the protection of a vehicle around them, so even a minor impact can cause severe harm.
Common injuries in pedestrian accidents include:
- Broken bones, especially in the legs, arms, hips, and ribs
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Dislocations and joint injuries
- Road rash, lacerations, and abrasions
- Wrongful death in the most tragic cases
These injuries often require long-term care, surgeries, rehabilitation, and time away from work. We help you pursue the full amount you need for both immediate and future care.
What Types of Damages Are Available?
Victims of pedestrian accidents may be entitled to recover a range of damages, including:
- Medical expenses, which can include not just emergency room visits, but also ambulance transport, follow-up appointments, surgeries, physical therapy, rehabilitation programs, prescription medications, and assistive devices like crutches or wheelchairs.
- Lost wages, covering the income you missed while recovering from your injuries, as well as bonuses, sick days, or vacation time you were forced to use due to the accident.
- Loss of future earning potential, if your injuries have a long-term impact on your ability to work, reduce your hours, change your career, or force early retirement.
- Pain and suffering, reflecting the physical discomfort, chronic pain, or limitations you now experience as a result of your injuries.
- Emotional distress or trauma, including symptoms such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and sleep disturbances that can develop after a traumatic pedestrian accident.
- Loss of enjoyment of life, which refers to being unable to participate in hobbies, physical activities, family routines, or social events you once enjoyed.
- Out-of-pocket costs, such as transportation to and from medical appointments, over-the-counter medical supplies, or home modifications to accommodate your injury.
- Wrongful death damages, which may be available to family members when a loved one is killed in a pedestrian crash, and can include funeral and burial costs, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship or parental guidance.
Reasons to See a Lawyer Right Away
You may be tempted to wait before contacting an attorney—especially if you’re focused on healing. But speaking with a San Diego personal injury lawyer immediately after your accident is one of the most important decisions you can make.
Here’s why:
- Time-sensitive evidence—such as surveillance footage or accident debris can disappear within days.
- Insurance companies move fast to protect their bottom line and may try to get you to accept a low settlement early.
- You may not know the full extent of your injuries until days or weeks later.
- Medical bills can pile up quickly, and a lawyer can help you manage them through liens or reimbursement planning.
- Deadlines matter—missing a filing window can end your right to recover damages altogether.
The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can begin protecting your rights and building a strong case.
What Clients Are Saying About Us
I will always be grateful for all that they have done – Sandra Servin (5-Star Google Review)
Eugene Bruno & Associates is the best in San Diego. The legal team has been very thorough, courteous, professional, and compassionate. I will always be grateful for all that they have done. I highly recommend Eugene Bruno & Associates!
I can’t thank Eugene Bruno & Associates enough – Richard Rosas (5-Star Google Review)
I can’t thank Eugene Bruno & Associates enough. Their level of organization and professionalism blew me away. From the start, their communication was spot on, keeping me informed every step of the way. They genuinely fought for my case as if it were their own, and that dedication means the world to me. If I ever need legal help again, they’re my first choice without a doubt.
Pedestrian Accident Case Results
$250,000 – Skateboarder Crashes Into Car (Policy Limit Settlement) – La Mirada, CA
Our college-aged client was skateboarding when he skated through an intersection into the path of an oncoming vehicle. A severe skull fracture left him in a persistent vegetative state. Although the police report put the client at fault, we successfully negotiated a policy limit settlement. Our client’s family continues to love and support him through his recovery and we are keeping him in our thoughts too.
$100,000 – Pedestrian Struck by Motor Vehicle
Our client was a homeless woman who crossed the street mid-block late at night. The police report put our client at fault for jaywalking, but our investigation showed the police report was wrong. We obtained a policy limit settlement for our client without filing a lawsuit.
Other Locations We Serve
Speak With a Trusted San Diego Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today
If you were injured while walking in San Diego, you don’t have to face it alone. At Eugene Bruno & Associates, we’re committed to helping injury victims get the justice they deserve.
You don’t pay us unless we win, and consultations are always free.
Call 1-888-BRUNO-88 (1-888-278-6688) to learn more today.
Pedestrian Accident FAQS
Do I have a case if I was hit outside of a crosswalk?
Possibly. While crosswalks strengthen a pedestrian’s case, drivers still have a legal duty to be alert and avoid hitting pedestrians. We investigate all the facts to determine who was truly at fault.
Who pays for my medical bills after a pedestrian accident?
The at-fault driver’s insurance typically covers your damages. However, if they are uninsured or underinsured, your own auto policy’s uninsured motorist coverage (if you have one) may apply, even though you weren’t driving.
How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident claim in California?
You generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If a government entity (like a city bus) was involved, you may have just six months to file a claim. Don’t wait—call us right away.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
California follows comparative negligence rules, which means you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault. Your compensation may be reduced based on your percentage of responsibility.
What types of compensation can I receive for a pedestrian accident?
You may be entitled to damages for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of future earnings
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
Do I need a lawyer to handle my pedestrian accident claim?
Yes. Insurance companies often try to downplay injuries or shift blame to the pedestrian. Having an experienced lawyer ensures your rights are protected and that you pursue the full value of your claim.
Can I file a claim if my child was injured as a pedestrian?
Absolutely. Children are especially vulnerable in traffic accidents, and California law often holds drivers to a higher standard when children are involved. We help families pursue justice and compensation for injured minors.
What if the driver fled the scene?
This is considered a hit and run, which is a criminal offense. If the driver can’t be found, your own uninsured motorist coverage may apply. We can help you navigate this situation and file the necessary claims.
How much does it cost to hire Eugene Bruno & Associates?
We work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing upfront and no fees at all unless we win your case. We also offer a free consultation.
What should I do after being hit by a car as a pedestrian?
Get medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor. Call the police to report the accident, gather contact info from witnesses if possible, and avoid discussing fault with the driver or insurance. Then call Eugene Bruno & Associates at 1-888-BRUNO-88 (1-888-278-6688) to protect your rights.
Meet Our San Diego Pedestrian Accident Attorney
Eugene G. Bruno
Eugene G. Bruno is the founding attorney of Eugene Bruno & Associates, a highly regarded San Diego personal injury law firm with a reputation built on trust, compassion, and results. For over two decades, he has dedicated his legal career to helping people recover physically, emotionally, and financially after serious accidents caused by negligence.
Mr. Bruno is known for his hands-on approach to client service. He listens carefully, communicates clearly, and tailors every legal strategy to meet the specific needs of each case. Clients know they can count on him for honest answers, reliable guidance, and aggressive advocacy, whether negotiating with insurers or going to trial.
Additional Pedestrian Accident Information
- Nighttime Pedestrian Accidents: Visibility & Responsibility
- San Diego Pedestrian Safety Laws and Your Right to Safety
- Does California’s New Jaywalking Law Affect My Injury Claim?
- Should You Pay For Your Medical Bills After A Pedestrian Accident Or Wait For The Settlement?
- Pedestrian Safety – NHTSA
“I would highly recommend Eugene Bruno & Associates! They helped me out with a case of mine and everything worked out perfectly. I worked with Amir, one of the lawyers and he was amazing. Definitely would work with him again. Thank you!”
- Mona Hakim, Google Review
“This people deserve more than 5 stars. I would highly recommend them to anyone.”
- Faisal A., Google Review
“You will not be disappointed hiring these guys. Eugene Bruno & Associates are the best car accident lawyers in San Diego and I recommend them 100%!!”
- Adam C., Google Review
“Take the time to speak with Mr. Bruno, he will definitely help you and guide you and make you feel like family! Best decision I have made, I went with the best. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!!!!!”
- Lakeisha E., Google Review