SAN DIEGO, San Diego County, CA, Sept. 23, 2026 — A pedestrian was hurt Tuesday morning, September 22, in a hit-and-run crash near the intersection of Lone Quail Road and Del Sur Ridge Road, according to the California Highway Patrol. The driver involved reportedly left the scene before officers arrived.
The California Highway Patrol received a report of a pedestrian struck by a truck shortly before 8:30 a.m. Tuesday. Dispatch logs show the call was classified as a hit-and-run with injuries.
Details on the pedestrian's condition have not been released. It is not known how seriously the person was hurt or whether they were taken to a hospital.
The truck involved fled before CHP units arrived, and no description has been made public. The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information has been asked to contact the California Highway Patrol.
We hope everyone who was hurt makes a full and speedy recovery.
What Do the Numbers Say About Pedestrian Deaths in California?
According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, pedestrian fatalities decreased from 1,213 in 2022 to 1,106 in 2023. That drop of more than 100 deaths in a single year shows the toll can move, but it still means over a thousand people were killed while walking on California roads in one year alone.
Hit-and-run cases add another layer to that picture. When a driver leaves the scene, investigators cannot question them, so physical evidence like paint transfer or debris becomes the main lead. Cases involving trucks or larger vehicles leave more visible damage to the vehicle, which can help identify it later.
Statewide totals like the one above cover all pedestrian deaths, not just hit-and-runs, but the trend line is important for understanding whether roadway design, enforcement, or driver behavior is shifting the numbers year to year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should a pedestrian do immediately after being hit by a vehicle?
Get to a safe spot away from traffic if possible, call 911, and try to note anything about the vehicle or driver, such as color, direction of travel, or partial plate number. Even a general description can help a hit-and-run investigation.
Who has the right of way at a crosswalk?
In California, pedestrians in a marked or unmarked crosswalk generally have the right of way, but drivers turning or entering the roadway are still required to watch for and yield to people crossing.
What can drivers do to avoid hitting someone on foot?
Slowing down near intersections, scanning both directions before turning, and avoiding distractions like phones can go a long way toward spotting a pedestrian in time to stop.
What injuries are common in pedestrian-vehicle crashes?
Broken bones, head injuries, and internal injuries are common because pedestrians have no protection from impact. Severity depends on vehicle speed and where the person is struck.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in San Diego, CA
If you're involved in or witness a pedestrian crash in San Diego, call 911 right away so paramedics and police can respond. Even if injuries seem minor at first, it's worth getting checked by a medical provider, since some injuries like concussions or internal bruising don't show symptoms immediately.
If you're a witness, try to stay until officers arrive and share anything you saw, including details about a vehicle that left the scene. Photos of the area, skid marks, or debris can support the investigation. If you were the one hurt, keep records of any medical visits and follow up with the California Highway Patrol if you learn new information about the driver.