A three-vehicle collision during a large protest in Fresno resulted in two injuries and a driver fleeing the scene, highlighting concerns about traffic safety during mass demonstrations. The incident occurred on Sunday, January 12, 2025, along Blackstone Avenue’s southbound lanes near the Nees Avenue intersection.
Protest Creates Complex Traffic Conditions
The crash took place during a significant anti-deportation demonstration that drew hundreds of protesters both on foot and in vehicles. The large gathering caused substantial traffic disruptions along Blackstone Avenue, one of Fresno’s major thoroughfares, creating challenging conditions for motorists navigating the area.
Traffic safety experts note that protests involving both pedestrians and vehicles require heightened awareness from all road users, as the combination of slow-moving protest vehicles, crowds on foot, and regular traffic can create unpredictable situations. These conditions often lead to sudden stops, lane changes, and reduced visibility for drivers, increasing the risk of collisions.
Collision Details and Injuries
According to the Fresno Police Department, the accident involved three vehicles near the protest site. Two individuals sustained non-life-threatening injuries and required transportation to local hospitals for treatment. The specific nature of their injuries and current conditions have not been disclosed by authorities.
Eyewitnesses report that the collision occurred when traffic suddenly slowed due to protest activity, causing a chain reaction between the three vehicles. First responders arrived promptly at the scene, working efficiently to provide medical care despite the challenging crowd conditions. The damaged vehicles had to be towed from the scene, further impacting traffic flow in the area.
Hit-and-Run Element Complicates Investigation
In a concerning development, law enforcement reported that the driver of a black vehicle involved in the collision abandoned their injured front-seat passenger and fled the scene on foot before emergency medical services arrived.
The driver remains at large, and local authorities are actively investigating the incident. The chaotic nature of the protest scene has presented unique challenges for investigators trying to piece together the sequence of events.
According to police sources, the presence of numerous vehicles and protesters in the area has made it difficult to obtain clear surveillance footage and reliable witness statements. Investigators are urging anyone with cell phone videos or additional information about the driver’s identity to come forward and assist with the ongoing investigation.
Legal Implications and Safety Concerns
This incident raises several legal concerns, including potential charges for the hit-and-run driver once apprehended. Under California law, leaving the scene of an accident involving injuries is a serious offense that can result in significant penalties, including possible felony charges. Additionally, the incident underscores the complex liability issues that can arise during protest situations.
Insurance claims may be complicated by questions of comparative negligence, as multiple factors could have contributed to the collision – including reduced visibility, sudden traffic pattern changes, and the general disorder associated with large demonstrations. Vehicle code violations during protests can carry enhanced penalties, particularly when they result in injuries or show a willful disregard for public safety.
Steps to Take After a Hit-and-Run Accident
If you’re involved in a hit-and-run accident, it’s crucial to:
- Immediately contact law enforcement and file a police report
- Document the scene with photos and gather witness information
- Seek medical attention, even for seemingly minor injuries
- Contact your insurance company to understand your coverage options
- Consult with a qualified personal injury attorney to protect your rights
In the aftermath of a hit-and-run collision, timing is critical for both your physical recovery and legal protection. Insurance companies often have specific deadlines for filing claims, and evidence at the scene can quickly disappear.
During large public gatherings like protests, it’s particularly important to gather contact information from independent witnesses who may have captured photos or videos of the incident. Social media posts and news coverage from the event can also provide valuable documentation to support your case.
Legal Considerations
Beyond criminal charges for hit-and-run violations, this incident involves multiple layers of civil liability that could affect insurance claims and potential lawsuits. Protest participants, including both pedestrians and motorists, have certain rights and responsibilities under California law.
While demonstrators have constitutionally protected rights to peaceful assembly, they must still exercise reasonable care for public safety. Drivers navigating through protest areas have a heightened duty of care to avoid accidents, while protest organizers may face scrutiny over their crowd management practices.
Multiple parties could potentially bear liability for damages in such cases, including negligent drivers, protest organizers who failed to obtain proper permits, or even governmental entities responsible for traffic control.
Hit-and-run accident settlement calculators typically consider basic factors like medical bills, property damage, and lost wages, but may not account for unique circumstances such as the heightened duty of care during public demonstrations or the impact of multiple liable parties.
The true settlement value of a hit-and-run case during a protest can be significantly higher than calculator estimates suggest, particularly when factors like emotional distress, future medical needs, and punitive damages are considered.
An experienced personal injury attorney can provide a more accurate assessment of your case’s value by analyzing all relevant circumstances, including the unique dynamics of protest-related accidents. Call us now at +1 415-986-4777 for a free legal consultation.
Moving Forward
“As someone who has represented accident victims for over 40 years, I understand how traumatic and overwhelming it feels to be injured in a crash, especially during an already tense situation like a protest. If you or a loved one were hurt in this Fresno incident, you need to focus on your recovery while we handle the complex legal aspects. Multiple factors are at play here – from the hit-and-run driver to the protest circumstances – and these elements can significantly impact your right to compensation. Don’t let insurance companies minimize your claim or pressure you into a quick settlement. Our team at GJEL is here to protect your rights and ensure you receive full compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and emotional trauma. Call us for a free consultation – we’ll listen to your story and help you understand all your legal options.” – Andy Gillin, Founding Partner, GJEL Accident Attorneys
If you or a loved one were injured in the Blackstone Avenue protest collision, don’t navigate the complex legal process alone. Our experienced team at GJEL Accident Attorneys has a proven track record of successfully handling complex accident cases, including those involving protests and hit-and-run drivers.
We understand the unique challenges these cases present and will fight tirelessly to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Call us now at +1 415-986-4777 or visit our Hayward office for a free, confidential consultation, or visit our website to learn more about how we can help. Time limits apply to filing accident claims, so don’t wait to get the legal representation you need.
Important Resources and Contact Information
For updates on this incident or to provide information about the hit-and-run driver, please contact:
- Fresno Police Department
- Non-Emergency Line: (559) 621-7000
- Traffic Unit: (559) 621-5050
- Online Police Report: www.fresno.gov/police/report-crime-online
- Anonymous Tips: Valley Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-STOP (7867)
- Fresno County Traffic Authority
- Main Office: (559) 600-3282
- Traffic Collision Reports: (559) 600-3111
- Email: trafficinfo@fresnocountyca.gov
- Emergency Services
- Emergency: 911
- Fresno Fire Department: (559) 621-4199
- Emergency Medical Services: (559) 600-3387
Anyone who witnessed the accident or has video footage is encouraged to contact the Fresno Police Department’s Traffic Unit directly. For traffic updates and road conditions in the Blackstone Avenue area, you can follow the Fresno Police Department on social media:
- Twitter: @FresnoPolice
- Facebook: @FresnoPolice
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.