San Diego, CA (February 13, 2026) – A two-car collision left a 49-year-old woman injured on Thursday night, February 12, along Fifth Ave in San Diego’s Hillcrest area.
Key Details
- Reported: Thursday, February 12 at 10:24 p.m.
- Location: Fifth Ave, San Diego
- Involved: Two sedans in a side-impact collision
- Injuries: 49-year-old female driver with knee and facial injuries
- Crash Type: Left-turn collision; driver’s side impact at approximately 25–30 mph
- Transport: Taken to Scripps Mercy Hospital Hillcrest
What We Know So Far
- The injured woman was the restrained driver of a small sedan making a left turn when a midsize sedan struck the driver’s side door.
- Both vehicles were reportedly traveling about 25 to 30 miles per hour at the time of impact.
- Airbags deployed, and she stated she hit her head on the airbag but did not lose consciousness.
- She was able to exit the vehicle on her own and was ambulatory at the scene before being transported for evaluation.
What’s Not Yet Confirmed
- The identity of the other driver involved has not been released.
- Officials have not indicated whether any citations were issued.
- The full extent of the woman’s injuries has not been disclosed.
Local Context
Fifth Ave runs through San Diego’s Hillcrest neighborhood, a busy corridor lined with restaurants, shops, and residential buildings. Evening traffic in this area often includes drivers navigating left turns at signalized intersections and cross streets. Side-impact crashes can occur when vehicles misjudge oncoming traffic during turning movements. With moderate front-end damage reported and airbags deploying, emergency crews transported the driver to Scripps Mercy Hospital Hillcrest, located nearby. Incidents along Fifth Ave can temporarily affect surrounding intersections as officers secure the scene and vehicles are cleared.
What to Do Next
- If you are involved in a crash, remain at the scene and check for injuries. Call 911 if medical attention is needed.
- Follow directions from law enforcement and avoid standing in active traffic lanes.
- If it is safe, document vehicle damage and roadway conditions with photos.
- Monitor for symptoms such as headaches, swelling, or increased pain, and seek follow-up care if needed.
FAQ
Q: What should drivers do when making a left turn at an intersection?
A: Drivers should ensure the path is clear, yield to oncoming traffic, and proceed only when it is safe. Misjudging speed or distance is a common factor in turning collisions.
Q: Why can side-impact crashes cause injuries even at moderate speeds?
A: Side-impact collisions concentrate force on a smaller area of the vehicle, which can lead to injuries even when speeds are relatively low, and airbags deploy.
Q: Can someone walk away from a crash and still be injured?
A: Yes. Some injuries, including concussions or soft tissue damage, may not show symptoms immediately. Medical evaluation is important after a collision.
