A serious pedestrian accident occurred in Fresno on Monday morning, January 7, 2025, highlighting ongoing concerns about pedestrian safety at intersections. The incident, which took place at the intersection of Weber and Olive Avenues, left a man with critical injuries after being struck by a vehicle while using a marked crosswalk.
Details of the Fresno Pedestrian Accident
The collision occurred around 8:00 a.m. when a driver attempting to make an eastbound turn onto Olive Avenue struck a pedestrian legally crossing in a designated crosswalk. According to Fresno Police officers who responded, the driver remained at the location and cooperated with investigators. Initial reports indicate the driver was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the incident.
The victim, who has not been publicly identified, sustained a severe head injury in the collision and was immediately transported to a local trauma center. Medical officials report that the pedestrian remains in critical condition, underscoring the serious nature of the impact.
The intersection of Weber and Olive Avenues, a busy corridor during morning commute hours, was temporarily closed while Fresno Police conducted their initial investigation and gathered evidence from the scene. The exact circumstances that led to the driver’s failure to notice the pedestrian in the crosswalk remain under investigation by local authorities.
Visibility and Pedestrian Right-of-Way
The driver reported not seeing the pedestrian until it was too late to avoid the collision. This raises important questions about visibility conditions during morning commute hours and the responsibility of drivers to remain vigilant, particularly when making turns at intersections where pedestrians may be present.
Intersections like Weber and Olive Avenues present unique challenges during morning hours when sun glare and shadows can significantly impact driver visibility. However, California law places a heightened duty of care on drivers to account for these conditions and adjust their driving behaviour accordingly.
This includes reducing speed when necessary, waiting for clear visibility before proceeding with turns, and being prepared to stop when approaching crosswalks. The presence of a marked crosswalk at this location also means drivers should have reasonably anticipated pedestrian activity during the morning commute.
Understanding Pedestrian Rights in Crosswalks
Under California Vehicle Code Section 21950, drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing in marked crosswalks. This incident serves as a reminder that drivers must exercise additional caution when approaching crosswalks and making turns, even if visibility conditions are challenging.
Even in cases where pedestrians may share some degree of responsibility, California’s comparative negligence laws still allow injured parties to seek compensation. This is particularly relevant in crosswalk accidents, where the law requires drivers to exercise “due care” to safeguard pedestrian safety.
Courts have consistently held that drivers must demonstrate heightened awareness and caution when approaching marked crosswalks, regardless of traffic signals or other conditions. This duty becomes even more critical during peak hours when pedestrian traffic is heaviest, such as during the morning commute when this accident occurred.
Legal Implications for Crosswalk Accidents
When pedestrians are injured in crosswalk accidents, they may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses and ongoing treatment
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Rehabilitation costs
In California, drivers who strike pedestrians in marked crosswalks often face heightened liability due to the protected status of crosswalk zones. Insurance companies typically recognize the serious nature of crosswalk violations, which can strengthen the victim’s claim for damages.
Additionally, if an investigation reveals any road design defects, inadequate signage, or malfunctioning signals that may have contributed to the accident, injured pedestrians may have valid claims against government entities responsible for maintaining safe intersection conditions. The fact that this accident occurred at a marked crosswalk during daylight hours could significantly impact the strength of the victim’s legal case.
Safety Tips for Drivers at Intersections
To prevent similar accidents, drivers should:
- Always check crosswalks thoroughly before initiating turns
- Reduce speed when approaching intersections
- Be especially vigilant during morning and evening commute hours
- Anticipate pedestrian presence at marked crosswalks
Vehicle blind spots can be particularly dangerous during turning manoeuvres at intersections like Weber and Olive Avenues. Drivers should make a complete head check before initiating any turn, as relying solely on mirrors may leave pedestrians in blind spots undetected.
This is especially critical during rush hour periods when multiple factors compete for a driver’s attention – from other vehicles and traffic signals to time pressures and weather conditions. Taking those extra few seconds to thoroughly scan the intersection, particularly the crosswalk areas, can mean the difference between a safe turn and a life-altering collision. This accident serves as a sobering reminder that no schedule is worth risking a pedestrian’s safety.
Legal Considerations
When pedestrians are injured in marked crosswalk accidents like this one in Fresno, California law generally provides strong protections for the victim. Under Vehicle Code Section 21950(a), drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing the roadway within any marked or unmarked crosswalk at an intersection.
In this case, the driver’s admission of not seeing the pedestrian until it was too late could be considered a failure to exercise due care, potentially establishing negligence. The fact that the accident occurred in daylight hours at a marked crosswalk, while the pedestrian was lawfully crossing, creates a compelling foundation for legal action.
Additionally, the serious nature of the victim’s head injury and critical condition may warrant compensation not only for immediate medical expenses but also for long-term care, lost earning capacity, and pain and suffering. Given the complexities of pedestrian accident claims and the potential involvement of multiple insurance companies, victims are strongly advised to seek experienced legal representation to protect their rights and interests.
Understanding Catastrophic Injury Settlement Calculations
Catastrophic injury accident settlement calculators serve as valuable preliminary tools for estimating potential compensation in severe accident cases, such as this Fresno pedestrian collision. These calculators incorporate multiple factors including medical expenses (both current and projected), lost wages, diminished earning capacity, rehabilitation costs, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
However, it’s important to understand that head injuries often involve complex, long-term implications that may not be immediately apparent. A professional settlement calculator used by experienced attorneys considers additional crucial factors such as:
- The victim’s age and pre-accident earning capacity
- Expected duration of medical treatment and future care needs
- Impact on quality of life and daily activities
- Family member impacts and needed accommodations
- Psychological effects and emotional distress
- Changes in life expectancy
While these calculators provide helpful baseline estimates, each case is unique and requires careful evaluation by experienced legal professionals who can account for the full scope of damages and long-term implications of catastrophic injuries. At GJEL, we utilize sophisticated calculation methods combined with decades of experience to ensure our clients receive maximum compensation for their injuries. Call us now at +1 415-986-4777 to talk to the legal experts.
Moving Forward
“As an accident attorney who has spent decades representing injured pedestrians throughout California, I am deeply concerned about this tragic incident in Fresno. Head injuries sustained in crosswalk accidents can have devastating, long-term impacts on victims and their families. If you or a loved one were injured in this collision, it’s crucial to understand that you have legal rights that need to be protected immediately. Evidence must be preserved, witness statements collected, and proper documentation gathered – all while you focus on your recovery. Insurance companies may try to minimize your claim, but our experience shows that crosswalk accident victims often deserve substantial compensation for medical care, lost wages, and future needs. Please don’t wait to seek legal help. Our team at GJEL is here to guide you through this difficult time and ensure your rights are protected.” – Andy Gillin, Founding Partner, GJEL Accident Attorneys
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, it’s crucial to understand your legal rights. An experienced GJEL personal injury attorney can help evaluate your case and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries. Our experienced team has a proven track record of successfully representing pedestrian accident victims throughout California.
We operate on a strict contingency fee basis, which means you pay absolutely nothing unless we win your case. There are no upfront costs, no hidden fees, and no out-of-pocket expenses while your case is being handled. Talk to an experienced GJEL accident attorney for a free legal consultation. Call us now at +1 415-986-4777 or visit our Richmond office and talk to the experts.
Important Resources and Contact Information
For additional information about this pedestrian accident or to report relevant details, the following resources are available:
Fresno Police Department
2323 Mariposa Street
Fresno, CA 93721
- Emergency: 911
- Non-Emergency: (559) 621-7000
- Traffic Bureau: (559) 621-5050
Fresno Police Department Traffic Bureau
- Collision Investigation Unit: (559) 621-5066
- Email: trafficbureau@fresno.gov
- Hours: Monday-Friday 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Report an Accident Online
Visit the Fresno PD’s online reporting system:
www.fresno.gov/police/report-a-crime/
Additional Traffic Safety Resources
- Fresno Public Works Department (Traffic Operations): (559) 621-8800
- Fresno County Department of Public Works and Planning: (559) 600-4237
- California Highway Patrol – Fresno Area Office: (559) 441-5400
If you witnessed this accident or have any information that could assist investigators, please contact the Fresno Police Department’s Traffic Bureau directly. For medical emergencies or immediate assistance, always dial 911.
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.