In a fatal pedestrian accident that highlights the dangers pedestrians face on our roadways, a woman was hospitalized following a collision with a vehicle in Fresno this past weekend. The accident, which occurred outside of a designated crosswalk, serves as a reminder of the importance of pedestrian safety and awareness.
Incident Details
On Saturday evening, March 1, 2025, at approximately 8:45 p.m., Fresno Police Department officers responded to reports of a pedestrian accident at the intersection of Jensen and Elm Avenues. According to preliminary investigations, the woman was crossing Jensen Avenue when struck by a westbound vehicle.
The pedestrian was not using a marked crosswalk at the time of the collision, a factor that will likely be significant in the investigation. Following the impact, emergency services transported the injured woman to a local hospital for treatment. As of this report, her condition has not been disclosed to the public.
Authorities noted that the driver involved in the accident remained at the scene and has been cooperating fully with police during their investigation.
Legal Considerations in Pedestrian Accidents
When pedestrian accidents occur outside of marked crosswalks, questions of liability become more complex. While California law requires drivers to exercise due care for pedestrian safety regardless of location, pedestrians are also responsible for using available crosswalks and following traffic signals.
California Vehicle Code Section 21950(b) states, “No pedestrian may suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle that is so close as to constitute an immediate hazard.” However, this does not absolve drivers from their duty to remain vigilant and avoid collisions whenever possible.
It’s worth noting that California follows a “comparative negligence” doctrine in personal injury cases. If the pedestrian and driver share some responsibility for the accident, compensation may be adjusted according to the percentage of fault assigned to each party.
For example, if a pedestrian is found to be 30% at fault for crossing outside a crosswalk, their potential compensation might be reduced by that percentage. However, even in cases where pedestrians share significant responsibility, they may still be entitled to recover damages if the driver was also negligent.
Factors such as speeding, distracted driving, or failure to yield can contribute to a driver’s liability, regardless of where the pedestrian is crossing. Each case is evaluated on specific circumstances, so proper legal representation is crucial following these incidents.
Safety Recommendations for Pedestrians
To reduce the risk of similar accidents, pedestrians should:
- Always use marked crosswalks when available
- Wear bright or reflective clothing when walking at night
- Make eye contact with drivers before crossing
- Avoid distractions like mobile phones while crossing streets
- Never assume drivers can see you, especially after dark
Another crucial safety practice for pedestrians is always to be aware of their surroundings. This means removing headphones or keeping the volume low enough to hear approaching vehicles, avoiding texting while walking near roadways, and staying alert to unusual traffic patterns.
Pedestrians should also be particularly cautious during adverse weather conditions, as rain or fog can significantly reduce driver visibility and increase stopping distances. When walking at dusk or dawn, remember that these transitional light periods can create visual challenges for drivers.
Additionally, pedestrians should always wait for a complete stop from turning vehicles before proceeding through an intersection, even when they have the right of way, as drivers making turns may not always notice pedestrians in their path.
Safety Tips for Drivers
Drivers can help prevent pedestrian accidents by:
- Remaining alert for pedestrians at all times, especially in residential areas
- Reducing speed in areas with high pedestrian traffic
- Never driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Avoiding distractions while driving
- Being particularly cautious during evening hours when visibility is reduced
Drivers should also take extra precautions in areas with higher pedestrian activity, such as school zones, shopping centers, and residential neighborhoods. Always come to a complete stop at stop signs and red lights, checking both directions before proceeding, even when the light turns green.
When approaching crosswalks, slow down significantly and be prepared to stop, as pedestrians may enter suddenly or be partially obscured by parked cars or other obstacles. Additionally, drivers should leave adequate space when passing pedestrians on roads without sidewalks, ideally changing lanes when possible.
Remember that certain conditions—including rain, snow, or sun glare—can make it more difficult to spot pedestrians, requiring increased vigilance and reduced speeds. Finally, always be careful when backing up in parking lots or driveways, as pedestrians, particularly children, may be in your blind spots.
Seeking Legal Assistance After a Pedestrian Accident
If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident, it’s essential to understand your legal rights. Injuries from such accidents can result in significant medical expenses, lost wages, and ongoing rehabilitation costs.
An experienced personal injury attorney can help determine liability, navigate insurance claims, and ensure fair compensation for victims of pedestrian accidents.
It’s essential to act promptly when seeking legal assistance after a pedestrian accident. California has a statute of limitations typically allows only two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Consulting with an attorney early in the process also ensures that crucial evidence is preserved and witness statements are collected. At the same time, memories are fresh, and proper documentation of injuries and damages is maintained.
Additionally, experienced personal injury attorneys can effectively handle communications with insurance companies, who often attempt to minimize payouts or shift blame to the pedestrian.
An attorney who specializes in pedestrian accidents will understand the complexities of these cases, including how to properly value non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life that often accompany serious pedestrian injuries.
Catastrophic Injury Settlement Calculators
Catastrophic injury settlement calculators can provide a preliminary estimate of potential compensation. They serve as valuable tools rather than definitive solutions in pedestrian accident cases. These digital resources help victims and their attorneys calculate approximate settlement values by factoring in medical expenses, lost wages, projected future care costs, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
The calculators typically use multipliers based on injury severity, with catastrophic injuries warranting higher multipliers due to their life-altering nature. However, these tools should be used as just one component of a comprehensive case evaluation.
Every pedestrian accident case involves unique circumstances that automated calculators cannot fully capture, including the specific impact on the victim’s quality of life, local legal precedents, and the strength of liability evidence.
An experienced personal injury attorney will use these calculators as a starting point while applying their expertise to develop a more accurate and personalized valuation for your specific situation. Call us now at +1 415-986-4777 to talk to the legal experts.
Moving Forward
“If you or a loved one were injured in this pedestrian accident, please know that you don’t have to navigate this difficult time alone. As someone who has helped countless pedestrian accident victims over my career, I understand the physical pain, emotional trauma, and financial uncertainty you’re facing. While focusing on healing, seek qualified legal representation to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. Insurance companies often move quickly to minimize liability—don’t accept any settlement offers without understanding their full implications for your future. Remember, California law protects pedestrians even when crossing outside of marked crosswalks. A thorough investigation of your circumstances could reveal critical factors affecting liability and your right to recovery. Time is of the essence, so I encourage you to reach out for a free consultation to discuss your options.”- Andy Gillin, GJEL Accident Attorney
This recent accident in Fresno underscores the critical importance of road safety for both pedestrians and drivers. As the investigation continues, it serves as a sobering reminder that a moment of inattention or failure to follow traffic laws can have serious consequences. Our thoughts are with the injured woman, and we hope for her full and speedy recovery.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, don’t navigate the legal complexities alone. Contact GJEL Accident Attorneys today for a free consultation. We’re here to help you understand your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve. Remember, you pay nothing unless we win your case. Don’t delay—the sooner we begin working on your claim, the stronger your case will be. Let GJEL’s award-winning attorneys handle the legal complexities while you focus on recovery.
Resources and Important Links
For those affected by pedestrian accidents in Fresno, the following official resources can provide valuable assistance and information:
Fresno Police Department
- Emergency: 911
- Non-Emergency: (559) 621-7000
- Website: www.fresno.gov/police
- Traffic Bureau: (559) 621-5050
- Address: 2323 Mariposa Street, Fresno, CA 93721
Fresno Traffic Management Center
- Phone: (559) 621-TRAF (8723)
- Website: www.fresno.gov/publicworks/traffic-engineering
- Email: traffic@fresno.gov
California Highway Patrol – Fresno Area Office
- Phone: (559) 705-2200
- Website: www.chp.ca.gov/find-an-office/central-division/offices/(450)-fresno
- Address: 5080 California Avenue, Fresno, CA 93722
Report a Traffic Issue in Fresno
- FresGO App: Download from the App Store or Google Play
- Online Reporting: www.fresno.gov/311
- Phone: 311 (within city limits) or (559) 621-CITY (2489)
These resources can help with accident reports, traffic safety concerns, and general information about pedestrian safety initiatives in the Fresno area.
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.