Pedestrian with cane hit, critically injured in California

A man walking along a sidewalk on a steep La Mesa street was struck and injured by a reversed pickup truck on Jan. 9. The 56-year-old pedestrian was using a cane.

According to La Mesa police, the accident happened around 7 a.m. when a large pickup truck was backing up onto Saranac Place near the 5000 block of Thorne Drive and rolled onto the sidewalk, hitting the man. The male pickup driver continued backing up before he realized that he had struck someone.

The pedestrian suffered internal injuries and numerous broken bones. He was transported to Sharp Memorial Hospital, where he was listed in critical condition.

Authorities said the pickup driver remained at the scene of the accident and has cooperated with police. The accident remains under investigation.

A pedestrian injured by a car may suffer critical injuries that require extended hospitalization and rehabilitation. If the medical bills are not covered by a victim’s insurance, they could be left with severe, ongoing financial burdens. If the victim is unable to work as they recover, it could also add stress to the situation.

If a pedestrian was injured due to the actions of a negligent driver, they may wish to consult with an attorney about filing a personal injury lawsuit against the person who hit them. An attorney could use accident reconstruction results and police reports to prove the at-fault driver was liable for the injuries suffered by the victim. If the victim prevails in court, they could be awarded compensation for their losses, including medical expenses, rehabilitation costs and lost wages. In some cases, the individual may also be paid damages for non-economic losses such as pain and suffering.

Source: La Mesa-Mount Helix Patch, “Cane Using Pedestrian Struck in La Mesa Critically Injured”, Mirna Alfonso, Jan. 9, 2015