A series of fog-related crashes across Fresno County on Tuesday morning Dec 3, has highlighted the deadly dangers of driving in Central Valley’s dense winter fog conditions. Most notably, these conditions contributed to a fatal collision near Selma that claimed one life and left another person injured.
Fatal Collision Details
At approximately 9:30 AM, a tragic collision occurred at the intersection of Parlier and McCall Avenues. According to California Highway Patrol (CHP) reports, a pickup truck driver pulled out from a stop sign on Parlier Avenue, moving into the path of an oncoming big rig travelling on McCall. The resulting collision caused the pickup truck to become engulfed in flames.
The driver of the Chevrolet pickup was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene. A female passenger in the truck was rescued by a quick-thinking passerby and transported to a local hospital with moderate injuries.
Multiple Incidents Nearby
In a related incident occurring less than an hour earlier, at approximately 8:40 AM, another collision took place just down the road from the fatal crash. A tractor-trailer attempting to make a U-turn at the intersection of McCall and American was struck by a van, resulting in minor injuries to the van’s driver. CHP officials cited both fog and excessive speed as contributing factors in this collision.
The morning’s hazardous conditions weren’t limited to these two incidents. The CHP reported more than a dozen crashes across the Central Valley region, creating a pattern of dangerous situations throughout the area. This cluster of accidents within a concentrated time frame and geographic area demonstrates how quickly road conditions can deteriorate when dense fog settles in, particularly during morning commute hours when traffic volume is at its peak. The proximity of these incidents to each other suggests that even local drivers, familiar with the roads, can be caught off guard by severely limited visibility.
Safety Implications and Legal Considerations
These incidents underscore the critical importance of adjusting driving behavior during foggy conditions. When visibility is severely limited, drivers must:
- Reduce speed significantly below posted limits
- Maintain greater following distance between vehicles
- Use low-beam headlights (high beams can reflect off fog and further reduce visibility)
- Allow extra time to reach destinations safely
- Postpone non-essential travel when fog is particularly dense
From a legal standpoint, drivers have a duty of care to operate their vehicles safely according to weather conditions. In fog-related accidents, liability often hinges on whether drivers took reasonable precautions given the reduced visibility. Factors such as speed, following distance, and proper use of headlights become crucial elements in determining fault.
In California, the “basic speed law” (Vehicle Code Section 22350) requires drivers to never drive faster than is safe for current conditions, regardless of the posted speed limit. This becomes particularly relevant in fog-related accidents, where driving at or even below the speed limit may still be considered negligent if visibility is severely compromised.
Additionally, commercial drivers, such as those operating big rigs, are held to an even higher standard of care due to their professional status and the potential dangers their larger vehicles pose in low-visibility conditions. This heightened duty of care can significantly impact liability determinations in accidents involving commercial vehicles during foggy conditions.
While no amount of compensation can truly make up for the loss of a loved one, fatal car accident settlement calculators can serve as valuable tools in helping families understand potential settlement ranges. These calculators typically consider multiple factors including medical expenses before death, funeral costs, loss of future income, loss of benefits and pension, and loss of companionship and support.
However, it’s important to note that these calculators provide only rough estimates and shouldn’t be relied upon exclusively. Each case has unique circumstances that can significantly impact settlement values, such as the age and earning capacity of the deceased, the number of dependents, and the degree of negligence involved.
For instance, in fog-related accidents like those in Fresno County, factors such as whether drivers followed proper safety protocols during hazardous conditions can substantially affect settlement amounts. An experienced personal injury attorney can provide a more accurate evaluation based on similar cases and specific circumstantial details.
An experienced GJEL accident attorney can provide a more accurate assessment based on their knowledge of similar cases and current legal precedents. Call us now at +1 415-986-4777 to talk to the experts. Our compassionate GJEL accident attorneys are always available to discuss your case, and you pay nothing unless we win. Let our experienced legal team shoulder the legal burden while you focus on what matters most – your family’s healing and recovery.
Moving Forward
“As a personal injury attorney who has spent decades helping families affected by tragic accidents in the Central Valley, my heart goes out to everyone impacted by these devastating fog-related crashes. These types of accidents, where weather conditions play a significant role, often involve complex liability issues that can affect your ability to recover fair compensation. If you or a loved one were injured in these incidents, it’s crucial to document all details about the fog conditions, take photos if possible, and seek immediate medical attention – even for injuries that may seem minor at first. Insurance companies may try to minimize the role of commercial drivers or argue about visibility conditions, but an experienced attorney can help protect your rights and ensure all responsible parties are held accountable. Our firm has extensive experience handling similar cases in Fresno County, and we’re here to help guide you through this difficult time. Don’t hesitate to reach out for a free consultation to understand your legal options.”- Andy Gillin, GJEL Accident Attorney
For those who must drive in foggy conditions, it’s essential to stay informed about weather conditions, plan routes carefully, and be prepared to alter travel plans if conditions become too hazardous. The cost of arriving late is insignificant compared to the potential consequences of risking travel in unsafe conditions.
If you find yourself involved in a fog-related accident, it’s crucial to document all conditions and circumstances thoroughly, as these details can be vital in any subsequent legal proceedings. At GJEL, we ensure all evidence is properly preserved and all potential sources of compensation are thoroughly investigated while families focus on healing. Talk to an experienced GJEL accident attorney for a free legal consultation. Call us now at +1 415-986-4777 or visit our Walnut Creek office to talk to the experts.
Important Resources and Emergency Contacts
For those affected by fog-related accidents or seeking additional information about road safety in Fresno County, the following resources are available:
Law Enforcement and Traffic Resources
- California Highway Patrol (CHP) – Fresno Area Office
- Emergency: 911
- Non-Emergency: (559) 441-5400
- Address: 5179 N Gates Ave, Fresno, CA 93722
- Website: https://www.chp.ca.gov/find-an-office/central-division/offices/(201)-fresno
- Fresno Police Department
- Emergency: 911
- Non-Emergency: (559) 621-7000
- Traffic Bureau: (559) 621-5050
- Address: 2323 Mariposa Street, Fresno, CA 93721
- Website: https://www.fresno.gov/police/
Road Conditions and Weather Updates
- Caltrans District 6 (Fresno Area)
- Road Conditions: 1-800-427-7623
- Website: https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-6
- Twitter: @CaltransDist6 for real-time updates
Accident Reports
- Request a Traffic Collision Report:
- CHP Collision Report: https://www.chp.ca.gov/programs-services/services-information/collision-reports
- Fresno PD Traffic Reports: Available through the Records Bureau at (559) 621-2000
These resources can provide vital assistance with:
- Obtaining official accident reports
- Checking current road conditions
- Reporting hazardous road conditions
- Getting real-time traffic updates
- Filing traffic complaints
- Accessing emergency services
Remember to save these numbers in your phone and bookmark relevant websites for quick access during emergencies.
Andy Gillin received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of California at Berkeley and his law degree from the University of Chicago. He is the managing partner of GJEL Accident Attorneys and has written and lectured in the field of plaintiffs’ personal injury law for numerous organizations. Since 1972 he has been helping seriously injured victims throughout northern California fight & win their personal injury cases. Andy is one of the top awarded & recognized wrongful death lawyers in northern California.