Author: Andy Gillin Apr 3, 2025

On Tuesday, April 1, 2025, a family of three pedestrians was struck by a Dodge Charger in Central Fresno. The fatal pedestrian accident occurred at approximately 7:30 a.m. at the intersection of Princeton and Angus Avenues. According to the Fresno Police Department, the victims included a young girl and her parents, who were crossing the roadway when the collision happened.

a black car on a street

Cause of the Accident

The driver of the Dodge Charger remained at the scene and cooperated with authorities following the incident. When questioned by police, the driver reported that sun glare had significantly impaired their visibility. This visual obstruction allegedly caused the driver to enter the intersection without noticing the pedestrians, resulting in the collision.

While sun glare was cited as the primary factor, investigators will likely examine additional elements that may have contributed to the accident. These could include the driver’s speed at the time of impact, whether proper attention was being paid to the roadway, and whether the vehicle had any mechanical issues that might have affected stopping distance. Environmental factors such as intersection design, visibility of crosswalk markings, and traffic signal timing may also be evaluated as part of the comprehensive accident investigation.

Injuries and Medical Response

All three pedestrians—the child and both parents—sustained injuries in the accident. Emergency responders arrived at the scene and transported the family to a local hospital for medical evaluation and treatment. Fortunately, police officials have characterized the injuries as minor, though the specific nature of these injuries has not been disclosed.

Medical professionals emphasize that even “minor” injuries from vehicle-pedestrian collisions can sometimes develop into more serious conditions in the days following an accident. Injuries such as soft tissue damage, minor concussions, and internal bruising may not present immediate symptoms but can worsen over time. For this reason, thorough medical documentation and follow-up appointments are crucial for accident victims, particularly when children are involved, as they may not be able to fully articulate their symptoms or discomfort.

Legal Considerations in Sun Glare Accidents

Sun glare is a common contributing factor in morning and evening traffic accidents, particularly during seasonal transitions when the sun’s position can create blinding conditions for drivers. However, California law still requires motorists to exercise appropriate caution when driving in challenging visibility conditions.

Drivers have a legal responsibility to:

  • Adjust their speed according to visibility conditions
  • Wear sunglasses when appropriate
  • Use sun visors
  • Consider alternative routes when sun glare is severe
  • Be extra cautious at intersections where pedestrians may be crossing

In California courts, the “sun glare defense” has limitations and is not typically considered a complete excuse for an accident. The legal principle of “reasonable and prudent” driving applies regardless of environmental conditions. Courts often examine whether the driver could have taken additional precautions before the collision. If a driver has encountered sun glare repeatedly on their regular route, for example, they may be expected to have anticipated and prepared for these conditions, potentially affecting liability determinations in resulting accident cases.

Pedestrian Rights in California

California law grants pedestrians significant protections, particularly in crosswalks and at intersections. Drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing roadways within marked or unmarked crosswalks at intersections. Even when pedestrians cross outside designated areas, drivers still have a duty of care to avoid collisions whenever possible.

The California Vehicle Code Section 21950 specifically addresses pedestrian rights, stating that drivers must exercise “due care” for pedestrian safety at all times. This legal standard extends beyond compliance with traffic signals and includes anticipating pedestrian movements, particularly in residential areas and nearby schools.

Additionally, California’s comparative negligence laws mean that even if a pedestrian shares some fault for an accident—such as crossing against a signal—they may still be entitled to recover damages. However, the compensation may be reduced proportionally to their degree of fault. This nuanced legal framework provides important protections for vulnerable road users while still acknowledging the responsibility of all parties to maintain road safety.

Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident

If you or your family members are involved in a pedestrian accident:

  1. Seek immediate medical attention, even for seemingly minor injuries
  2. Report the accident to law enforcement
  3. Document the scene with photos if possible
  4. Gather contact information from witnesses
  5. Notify your insurance company
  6. Consider consulting with a personal injury attorney

It’s crucial to understand that California has a two-year statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, including pedestrian accidents. This means victims have a limited window to pursue legal action for damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Additionally, when dealing with insurance companies, be cautious about providing recorded statements or accepting early settlement offers without legal counsel. Insurance adjusters may attempt to minimize compensation by questioning the severity of injuries or suggesting shared fault. Preserving all evidence, including medical records, accident reports, and witness statements, can strengthen your position during settlement negotiations or potential litigation.

Prevention of Pedestrian Accidents

This incident highlights the importance of both driver awareness and pedestrian safety. Pedestrians should:

  • Use marked crosswalks whenever available
  • Make eye contact with drivers before crossing
  • Wear bright or reflective clothing, especially in low-light conditions
  • Avoid distractions like mobile devices while crossing streets

Drivers should remain vigilant, particularly during dawn and dusk hours when sun glare is most problematic, and always reduce speed in areas where pedestrians are likely to be present.

Community-level interventions also play a crucial role in pedestrian accident prevention. Traffic engineering solutions such as enhanced crosswalk visibility, pedestrian islands, curb extensions, and properly timed crossing signals can significantly reduce collision risks.

Local advocacy has proven effective in many California communities, resulting in improved infrastructure around schools and in high pedestrian areas. Parents can contribute to safety efforts by teaching children proper road-crossing techniques early on and modeling safe pedestrian behaviors. Additionally, neighborhood watch programs that monitor and report dangerous driving patterns near residential areas can help law enforcement target enforcement efforts where they’re most needed.

Catastrophic Injury Settlement Calculators

Catastrophic injury settlement calculators serve as preliminary tools for estimating potential compensation in severe injury cases, though they should not replace professional legal consultation. These digital tools incorporate multiple variables, including medical expenses (current and projected future costs), lost wages, diminished earning capacity, and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.

The calculators typically use multipliers based on injury severity, with catastrophic injuries like traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or severe burns warranting higher multipliers than minor injuries. While these calculators provide a general framework for understanding potential settlement ranges, they cannot account for case-specific factors such as venue, liability disputes, or individual juror sentiments.

Experienced personal injury attorneys often use these calculators as starting points while incorporating their knowledge of local court tendencies, recent comparable settlements, and the specific impacts of injuries on a client’s life circumstances to develop more accurate settlement valuations that reflect the comprehensive damages suffered. Call us at +1 415-986-4777 for free legal advice.

Moving Forward

“As someone who has represented accident victims for over 40 years, I understand how traumatic even ‘minor’ injuries can be for a family, especially when a child is involved. Sun glare accidents often raise complex questions of liability that insurance companies may try to minimize. Remember that California law protects pedestrians, and you deserve fair compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress. Don’t feel pressured to accept the first settlement offer—your focus should be on healing while we focus on protecting your rights. If you or your loved ones were affected by this accident, I encourage you to seek proper medical documentation and consult with an experienced personal injury attorney who can evaluate your case and help you navigate the road to recovery.” –Andy Gillin, GJEL Accident Attorneys

While this Central Fresno accident fortunately resulted only in minor injuries, it serves as an important reminder of the hazards that can arise from environmental factors like sun glare. Both drivers and pedestrians share responsibility for roadway safety, especially during challenging visibility conditions.

If you’ve been involved in a similar incident, understanding your legal rights and responsibilities is essential for protecting yourself and your family. Seeking appropriate legal counsel can help ensure you receive fair treatment after a pedestrian accident.

If you or your loved ones were injured in this Fresno pedestrian accident, contact GJEL Accident Attorneys today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our experienced team fights for maximum compensation while you focus on recovery.

We operate on a contingency fee basis—meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. Don’t let financial concerns prevent you from seeking justice; our success is tied directly to yours. Call us now at +1 415-986-4777, or visit our Fairfield office to discuss your legal options and take the first step toward securing the compensation you deserve.

Resources and Important Links

For those affected by this or similar accidents in Fresno, the following resources may be helpful:

These resources can assist with obtaining accident reports, filing complaints about dangerous intersections, and accessing other information that may be relevant to your case. Remember to document all communications with these agencies as they may provide important evidence for your claim.

Author Photo

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.