Two young pedestrians were struck by a vehicle near a Fresno middle and high school on the afternoon of Tuesday, March 10, 2026, sending both children to the hospital and prompting an ongoing investigation by the Fresno Police Department, according to the Fresno Bee. The pedestrian accident which unfolded just as the school day was winding down, left the surrounding community shaken and has drawn attention to the dangers young pedestrians face near busy intersections during peak afternoon hours. As investigators work to determine the full circumstances of the crash, questions of driver awareness and pedestrian safety near school zones are at the forefront of the case.
What Happened in the Pedestrian Accident
The collision occurred at approximately 2:45 PM near the intersection of Shaw Avenue and First Street, close to Fairmont Avenue in central Fresno. The two children — both estimated to be around 12 or 13 years old — were struck by a vehicle in the vicinity of Carter G. Woodson Multimedia School, a seventh through twelfth grade institution serving the local community.
Both children were transported to a nearby hospital following the crash. The full extent of their injuries has not been publicly disclosed at this time. Fresno Police Department spokesperson confirmed that officers responded promptly to the scene and that early reports suggest the children were running across traffic outside of a designated crosswalk when the collision occurred. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities continue to examine the full circumstances of the crash.
The Vulnerability of Young Pedestrians in California
Pedestrian accidents involving children are among the most heartbreaking incidents that occur on California roadways. Young pedestrians face unique risks: they are smaller and harder for drivers to see, they are still developing their ability to judge vehicle speed and distance, and they often move unpredictably — darting into traffic, running between parked cars, or misjudging gaps in oncoming vehicles.
California state law recognizes this vulnerability. Under California Vehicle Code Section 21950, drivers are required to yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks — but, critically, they also have a duty to exercise reasonable care for pedestrians’ safety in all circumstances. Even when a pedestrian steps outside of a crosswalk, a driver who had time to react and failed to do so may still bear legal responsibility for resulting injuries.
Understanding Comparative Fault in California Pedestrian Accidents
When a pedestrian is struck while crossing outside a crosswalk, questions of fault often arise quickly. In California, this type of situation is governed by the doctrine of pure comparative negligence, codified under California Civil Code Section 1714. Under this framework, fault can be divided between multiple parties — meaning that even if a pedestrian bears some degree of responsibility for the collision, the driver may still owe damages proportional to their own share of fault.
For example, if a driver was speeding in a school zone, was distracted, failed to see the pedestrians in time to brake, or otherwise failed to exercise reasonable care, that driver may be found significantly at fault even if the children were crossing outside of a marked crosswalk. Insurance companies and opposing attorneys often attempt to assign maximum blame to injured pedestrians in these situations, which is why having skilled legal representation is so important — especially when the victims are minors who cannot legally advocate for themselves.
Wrongful Death and Serious Injury Claims Involving Child Pedestrians
While the full nature of the children’s injuries has not yet been confirmed, pedestrian accidents involving vehicle strikes can result in serious, life-altering harm — including traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, internal injuries, and significant psychological trauma. In the most devastating cases, such collisions claim young lives.
Under California law, the parents or legal guardians of injured children may have the right to pursue a personal injury claim on the child’s behalf. When a child under 18 is injured due to another party’s negligence, any settlement or court award must generally be approved by the court to protect the child’s interests. Additionally, the statute of limitations for claims involving minors is tolled — meaning the clock on filing a lawsuit typically does not begin to run until the child turns 18, providing important additional time for families to pursue justice.
If a child is killed in a pedestrian accident, surviving parents and siblings may be entitled to bring a wrongful death claim under California Code of Civil Procedure Section 377.60. These claims can seek damages for the loss of financial support, loss of companionship, funeral and burial expenses, and the profound emotional suffering that follows the death of a child.
How a Personal Injury Settlement Calculator Can Help Families Understand Their Options
Families dealing with the aftermath of a serious pedestrian accident often have urgent questions about what their legal case might be worth — and understandably so. Medical bills arrive quickly, and parents may be forced to take time off work to care for an injured child. A personal injury settlement calculator can provide a starting point for estimating potential compensation by factoring in current and future medical expenses, lost wages for parents or guardians, pain and suffering, and long-term rehabilitation costs.
It is important to understand, however, that no calculator can replace the analysis of an experienced personal injury attorney. Every case involves its own unique facts, and factors such as the degree of comparative fault, available insurance coverage, the severity of injuries, and the skill of legal counsel all play meaningful roles in determining the ultimate outcome. A qualified attorney can review the specifics of your situation and help you understand the full range of compensation you may be entitled to pursue.
Ultimately, the most important step any family can take after a child is injured in a pedestrian accident is to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney as early as possible. An attorney can conduct a thorough investigation of the accident, preserve critical evidence, handle communications with insurance companies on your behalf, and build the strongest possible case for maximum compensation.
At GJEL Accident Attorneys, we offer free, no-obligation consultations to families navigating the aftermath of a serious pedestrian accident, and we never charge a fee unless we win your case. The financial and emotional stakes are too high to face this process alone — and you do not have to. Call us now at +1-866-218-3776 to speak with our experts.
Why Fresno Families Trust GJEL Accident Attorneys
GJEL Accident Attorneys has been representing injured Californians for more than 40 years, recovering over $950 million for accident victims and their families across the state. Our legal team has extensive experience handling pedestrian accident claims involving children, school zones, and complex comparative fault disputes. We understand what families in Fresno face when they take on insurance companies and defense attorneys, and we are committed to fighting for the full compensation our clients deserve.
We handle every case on a contingency fee basis — meaning there are no upfront costs and no fees of any kind unless we win your case. You pay nothing to get started, and nothing unless we recover for you. Beyond our track record, what truly sets GJEL apart is our personal approach to every case we take on. We understand that behind every file and case number is a real family — parents who are scared, children who are hurting, and households facing unexpected financial strain.
Our attorneys take the time to listen, explain the legal process in plain language, and keep clients informed at every stage of their case. We are not a high-volume firm that treats clients like numbers; we are a team of dedicated advocates who genuinely care about the outcomes we achieve for the people we represent.
Fresno families who have trusted us with their most difficult moments have found in us not just skilled legal counsel, but a committed partner in their recovery. When the insurance companies come with lowball offers and aggressive defense tactics, GJEL is ready to fight back — in the negotiating room and, if necessary, in the courtroom — to make sure your family receives every dollar you are rightfully owed.
Important Street Safety Tips to Help Protect Children From Pedestrian Accidents
Teaching children how to navigate streets safely is one of the most important steps parents, schools, and communities can take to prevent tragedies like the one that occurred near Carter G. Woodson School. Children should always cross at designated crosswalks or intersections, look left, right, and left again before stepping off the curb, and make eye contact with drivers before crossing to confirm they have been seen.
Sidewalks should be used whenever available, and children should walk — never run — across roadways to give drivers adequate time to stop. It is equally important for children to avoid distractions while walking near traffic, including the use of headphones or mobile devices, which can prevent them from hearing approaching vehicles.
In areas where sidewalks are absent, children should walk facing oncoming traffic so they can see approaching vehicles and react accordingly. Parents and educators are encouraged to regularly review these habits with young people, particularly in high-traffic areas near schools, bus stops, and busy intersections. While no set of precautions can eliminate risk entirely, instilling these habits early can meaningfully reduce the likelihood of a child being injured on the street.
Beyond individual habits, community-level efforts play a critical role in keeping children safe on the streets. Schools, local governments, and traffic safety organizations can work together to install clearly marked crosswalks, flashing pedestrian signals, and adequate signage near school zones to alert drivers to the presence of young pedestrians.
Reduced speed limits in school zones — and consistent enforcement of those limits — have been shown to significantly lower the risk of serious injury when collisions do occur. Crossing guards stationed at high-traffic intersections during arrival and dismissal times provide an additional layer of protection for students traveling on foot.
Parents can further reinforce safe habits by walking familiar routes with their children, identifying the safest crossing points, and establishing clear rules about where and how to cross the street. Community awareness campaigns and school-based pedestrian safety programs, such as those offered through the California Office of Traffic Safety, also help equip young people with the knowledge and confidence to navigate their surroundings responsibly.
Ultimately, protecting children on the street is a shared responsibility — one that requires drivers, parents, schools, and local officials to remain engaged and proactive in creating safer environments for the youngest members of our communities.
Take Action Today – Get the Help You Deserve
“When I hear about children being hurt on their way to or from school, it strikes at something fundamental about the safety our communities owe to young people. The weeks and months after an accident like this can be overwhelming for families — the hospital visits, the uncertainty, the financial pressure. Our firm has spent over four decades fighting for families in these exact situations, and we are here to help you understand your rights at no cost and with no obligation. If your child was injured in a pedestrian accident, please don’t wait — call us so we can start helping you today.” — Andy Gillin, Managing Partner, GJEL Accident Attorneys
When your family is already dealing with medical bills, missed work, and the emotional toll of a serious accident, the last thing you should have to worry about is how to afford a lawyer. That is why GJEL Accident Attorneys operates entirely on a contingency fee basis — you pay absolutely nothing unless we win your case.
No retainers, no hourly fees, no out-of-pocket costs at any point in the process. Our fee comes only from the compensation we recover on your behalf, which means our interests are completely aligned with yours from day one. There is no financial risk in calling us, and no reason to wait.
If your child was injured in a pedestrian accident in Fresno or anywhere in Northern California, contact GJEL Accident Attorneys today for a free consultation. Call us at +1-866-218-3776 or visit us at our Walnut Creek office to secure your future and compensation.
Local Resources for Fresno Pedestrian Accident Victims
Fresno Police Department, 2323 Mariposa Street, Fresno, CA 93721. Phone: (559) 621-7000. Website: fresno.gov/police. The Fresno Police Department investigates traffic collisions within city limits, including pedestrian accidents. Accident reports can be requested through the Records Unit.
Fresno County Sheriff’s Office 2200 Fresno Street, Fresno, CA 93721 Phone: (559) 600-3111 Website: fresnosheriff.org Provides law enforcement services for unincorporated areas of Fresno County and can assist with accident-related records and referrals.
Valley Children’s Hospital, 9300 Valley Children’s Place, Madera, CA 93636. Phone: (559) 353-3000. Website: valleychildrens.org. The region’s leading pediatric hospital, serving critically injured children from Fresno and surrounding communities throughout the Central Valley.
Community Medical Centers – Community Regional Medical Center 2823 Fresno Street, Fresno, CA 93721 Phone: (559) 459-6000 Website: communitymedical.org Fresno’s primary Level I Trauma Center, providing emergency and long-term care for seriously injured patients, including pedestrian accident victims.
California Highway Patrol – Fresno Area 4013 W. Ashlan Avenue, Fresno, CA 93722 Phone: (559) 488-4110 Website: chp.ca.gov CHP investigates major injury and fatal traffic collisions on state highways and can provide collision reports for incidents within their jurisdiction.
Fresno County Department of Social Services, 2105 Divisadero Street, Fresno, CA 93721. Phone: (559) 600-3383. Website: fresnocountyca.gov/depts/dss. Offers support services and resources for families in crisis, including those dealing with the sudden trauma of a child’s serious injury.
