In a tragic incident on Saturday evening, November 9, a woman using a wheelchair lost her life after being struck by a vehicle while crossing Clovis Avenue in southeast Fresno. The collision highlights the ongoing concerns about pedestrian safety in the area, particularly for those with mobility challenges.
According to Fresno Police Department reports, the incident occurred shortly after 5:30 PM at the intersection of Clovis Avenue and Inyo Street. Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene after receiving calls about the collision.
The victim was immediately transported to Community Regional Medical Center, where medical staff unfortunately could not save her life. Her identity has not been released pending notification of next of kin.
Pedestrian Safety Concerns
This tragic incident underscores the critical importance of pedestrian safety, especially for vulnerable road users such as individuals with disabilities. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), pedestrians with disabilities are at a significantly higher risk of being involved in traffic accidents.
Recent data from the California Office of Traffic Safety shows a concerning trend in pedestrian accidents, with Fresno County reporting higher-than-average incidents involving disabled pedestrians. Factors such as inadequate crossing times at signalized intersections, poorly maintained sidewalks, and limited visibility during evening hours contribute significantly to these accidents. Local advocacy groups have long pushed for enhanced safety measures, including longer crossing signals, improved street lighting, and raised crosswalks to better protect vulnerable pedestrians.
Legal Rights of Pedestrians with Disabilities
Under California law, drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing streets, with special attention required for those with visible disabilities or mobility aids. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) also mandates that public streets and crosswalks be accessible and safe for all users.
Furthermore, California Vehicle Code Section 21963 provides specific protections for pedestrians using wheelchairs or white canes, requiring drivers to take all necessary precautions to avoid injury. The law also establishes enhanced penalties for drivers who fail to yield to disabled pedestrians.
Additionally, local municipalities are required to maintain ADA-compliant infrastructure, including properly maintained curb cuts, adequate crossing times at signals, and accessible pedestrian signals. In the event of an accident, disabled pedestrians may have multiple avenues for legal recourse, including claims against negligent drivers, property owners, or government entities responsible for maintaining safe roadways.
Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident
If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident:
- Seek immediate medical attention
- Document the incident and gather witness information
- Contact law enforcement to file a report
- Consult with a personal injury attorney to understand your rights
It’s crucial to take additional protective measures in the aftermath of an accident. Preserve all evidence by photographing the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage to mobility devices or personal property. Keep detailed records of all medical treatments, rehabilitation services, and any modifications needed to accommodate new or worsened disabilities.
Document any lost wages or income due to the accident. Be cautious when dealing with insurance companies – avoid giving recorded statements or accepting quick settlements without legal consultation. If your mobility aid was damaged, keep all repair or replacement receipts. Consider keeping a pain and recovery journal to document your physical and emotional challenges during recovery.
Legal Implications
For catastrophic injury accidents involving infrastructure issues like broken sidewalks or malfunctioning signals, report these hazards to local authorities and document the conditions that contributed to the accident. The investigation into this incident is ongoing. Witnesses or anyone with additional information are urged to contact the Fresno Police Department.
Catastrophic injury settlement calculators may also serve as crucial tools in assessing the full scope of compensation needed after a serious accident. These calculators help victims and their families account for not just immediate medical expenses, but also long-term care needs, lost earning capacity, future medical treatments, and necessary modifications to homes or vehicles. While no calculator can provide an exact settlement figure, these tools are invaluable in ensuring that all potential costs are considered – from ongoing physical therapy and medical equipment to lifetime care requirements.
For accidents involving disabilities, these calculators are particularly important as they factor in the specialized care, equipment, and support services that may be needed for decades to come. However, it’s essential to work with an experienced attorney who can properly utilize these tools while considering the unique circumstances of each case. 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. Call us now at +1 415-986-4777 for a free legal presentation.
Moving Forward
“As both an attorney and a member of the Fresno community, my heart goes out to the family who lost their loved one in this tragic accident. When someone using a wheelchair is struck by a vehicle, the outcome is often devastating, affecting not just the victim but entire families. If you or a loved one has been involved in a similar accident, it’s crucial to understand that California law provides special protections for disabled pedestrians. Don’t let insurance companies minimize your suffering or rush you into a settlement that doesn’t fully address your long-term needs. Our firm has decades of experience handling cases involving disabled pedestrians, and we understand the unique challenges and requirements these cases present. While no amount of compensation can truly make up for such a loss, we’re here to ensure your rights are protected and you receive the full compensation you deserve. Contact us for a free, compassionate consultation to understand your legal options.”- Andy Gillin, GJEL Accident Attorney
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, contact GJEL Accident Attorneys for a free consultation. Our experienced legal team has a proven track record of advocating for accident victims and their families throughout California. Our expertise can make a crucial difference in protecting your future and getting the compensation you deserve. Contact us today at +1 415-986-4777 or visit our Orinda office to talk to the experts.
Important Local Resources
For those affected by pedestrian accidents in Fresno, the following resources are available:
Law Enforcement & Traffic Safety
- Fresno Police Department
- Emergency: 911
- Non-Emergency: (559) 621-7000
- Traffic Bureau: (559) 621-5050
- Address: 2323 Mariposa Street, Fresno, CA 93721
- Website: www.fresno.gov/police
- Fresno Police Department Traffic Unit
- Accident Reports: (559) 621-5066
- Hit and Run Investigations: (559) 621-5056
- Email: trafficbureau@fresno.gov
Additional Traffic Safety Resources
- City of Fresno Department of Public Works
- Traffic Engineering: (559) 621-8850
- Report Traffic Signal Issues: (559) 621-CITY (2489)
- Website: www.fresno.gov/publicworks/traffic-engineering
- Fresno Council of Governments (Fresno COG)
- Transportation Safety Planning: (559) 233-4148
- Website: www.fresnocog.org
If you witness a traffic accident or unsafe road conditions, please report them to the appropriate authorities. For immediate emergencies, 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.