A hit-and-run collision on Sunday afternoon has left a Fresno e-scooter rider with serious injuries. The incident, which occurred at the intersection of Maple and McKenzie avenues, has sparked renewed discussions about road safety for alternative transportation users in the city.
Details of the Incident
On Sunday, April 27, 2025, at approximately 4:45 p.m., Fresno Police Department officers responded to reports of a collision involving an electric scooter rider at the intersection of Maple and McKenzie avenues. Upon arrival, they discovered a male victim who had been struck by a vehicle that fled the scene without stopping to render aid or provide information.
Emergency medical personnel transported the injured man to a local hospital with what authorities described as “significant injuries.” His current condition has not been publicly disclosed.
Ongoing Investigation
Law enforcement officials are actively investigating the hit-and-run. The Fresno Police Department has not yet released details about the suspect vehicle, but officers are working to gather information from potential witnesses and nearby surveillance cameras.
Investigators are also reviewing traffic footage from surrounding businesses and have established a dedicated tip line for this case. The Detective, who led the investigation, stated, “We’re asking residents in the area to check their home security cameras for any footage captured between 4:30 and 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. Even the smallest detail could help us identify the vehicle involved.” Authorities urge anyone who may have witnessed the collision or has information about the driver to contact the Fresno Police Department immediately.
E-Scooter Safety Concerns
This incident highlights the growing safety concerns surrounding electric scooters in urban areas. As e-scooters have gained popularity as an affordable and convenient transportation option, accidents involving these vehicles have also increased.
According to recent data from the Fresno Department of Transportation, e-scooter-related injuries have risen by 28% in the past year alone. Unlike cars or motorcycles, e-scooters offer minimal protection to riders in the event of a collision. Additionally, many riders may not wear appropriate safety gear, such as helmets, increasing the risk of serious injury during accidents.
Combining high speeds (some models can reach up to 20 mph), unstable riding surfaces, and sharing roadways with much larger vehicles creates a hazardous environment for inexperienced riders. Local safety advocate Thomas Wu emphasized that “the infrastructure in many parts of Fresno simply hasn’t caught up with the rapid adoption of micro-mobility options like e-scooters.”
Legal Implications of Hit-and-Run Accidents
Hit-and-run incidents like this one carry serious legal consequences in California. Drivers who flee the scene of an accident, particularly one involving injury, can face severe penalties including:
- Felony charges if the accident results in injury or death
- Substantial fines
- License suspension or revocation
- Potential imprisonment
- Civil liability for damages
Under California Vehicle Code Section 20001, leaving the scene of an accident that results in injury or death is punishable by up to four years in state prison and fines reaching $10,000. Additionally, hit-and-run drivers often face enhanced penalties if alcohol or drugs were involved.
Beyond criminal consequences, perpetrators also face significant civil liability for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. California’s statute of limitations allows victims two years from the accident date to file personal injury claims, giving investigators valuable time to identify suspects even after the initial incident.
Legal experts note that courts typically show little leniency toward drivers who demonstrate such disregard for another person’s well-being by fleeing an accident scene.
Steps to Take After a Scooter Accident
If you’re involved in or witness a scooter accident, here are essential steps to follow: Seek immediate medical attention, even for injuries that seem minor, as some severe conditions like concussions or internal bleeding may not present symptoms immediately.
Report the accident to the police, particularly if another vehicle is involved, ensuring that an official report is filed, which becomes crucial for insurance claims and potential legal proceedings. Document the scene with photos, capturing vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signals, and visible injuries if possible.
Gather contact information from witnesses who can provide objective accounts of what occurred. Notify the scooter company if using a rental, as most companies have specific accident reporting protocols and may have insurance coverage that applies to your situation.
Preserve evidence, including the scooter, damaged clothing, and medical records. Finally, consult with a personal injury attorney specializing in alternative transportation accidents before speaking with insurance adjusters, as early legal guidance can significantly impact your ability to recover fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
Prevention and Safety Measures
Riders should adhere to several critical safety practices to reduce the risk of scooter accidents. Always wear a helmet and appropriate protective gear, including wrist guards, knee pads, and elbow protection, which can significantly reduce injury severity in a fall.
Follow traffic laws and signals like any other vehicle, including stopping at red lights, yielding to pedestrians, and signaling turns. Avoid riding on sidewalks when prohibited, as this creates pedestrian hazards and increases collision risk at driveways and crosswalks.
Use dedicated bike lanes when available, maintaining a safe distance from parked cars to avoid “dooring” incidents. Stay visible with reflective clothing and lights at night, as many e-scooter accidents occur during low-visibility conditions. Never ride while impaired by alcohol or drugs, which dramatically increases accident risk.
Before each ride, conduct a quick safety check of your scooter, examining the brakes, steering, and wheels. Finally, consider taking a scooter safety course—many cities now offer free or low-cost training programs explicitly designed for e-scooter riders to learn proper handling techniques and safety protocols.
Community Response
The Fresno community has expressed concern following this latest incident. Local safety advocates continue to push for improved infrastructure for alternative transportation users, including better bike lanes and increased awareness campaigns for drivers.
As e-scooters become increasingly common on Fresno streets, riders and drivers must remain vigilant and share the road responsibly to prevent further accidents. The investigation into Sunday’s hit-and-run continues, and updates will be provided as authorities gather more information about the suspect vehicle and driver.
Understanding Electric Scooter Accident Settlement Calculators
Electric scooter accident settlement calculators serve as valuable preliminary tools for victims seeking to estimate potential compensation following an incident.
These digital resources help injured parties understand the approximate value of their claim by analyzing several critical factors: medical expenses (both current and projected future costs), lost wages and diminished earning capacity, property damage, and pain and suffering multipliers based on injury severity.
While not providing guaranteed settlement amounts, these calculators establish realistic expectations by incorporating regional settlement trends specific to e-scooter accidents, which typically differ from traditional vehicle collision settlements. They also factor in California’s comparative negligence laws, which can reduce compensation proportionate to the victim’s share of responsibility.
Legal experts emphasize that settlement calculators should serve as starting points rather than definitive valuations, as each case involves unique circumstances that algorithms cannot fully capture.
Attorney consultation remains essential for accurate assessment, as experienced lawyers can identify nuanced factors like long-term disability implications, psychological trauma, and jurisdiction-specific legal precedents that significantly impact final settlement values. Call us now at +1 415-986-4777 to talk to the experts.
Moving Forward
“As someone who has worked with accident victims for over 40 years, I understand the devastation that hit-and-run incidents can cause, especially when riding something as exposed as an e-scooter. If you or a loved one was injured in this Fresno accident, please know that you have rights, regardless of whether the driver is immediately identified. Focus on your recovery first, but don’t wait to document everything and seek legal counsel. Evidence disappears quickly in these cases, and California law provides pathways to compensation even when the at-fault party flees. Our team is ready to help navigate insurance claims, identify all possible sources of recovery, and ensure your medical needs are addressed while we handle the legal complexities. You deserve an advocate who will fight for your full compensation during this difficult time.”- Andy Gillin, GJEL Accident Attorney
Suppose you or a loved one has been injured in an e-scooter accident in Fresno or throughout California. In that case, GJEL Accident Attorneys stands ready to help you navigate the complex legal aftermath.
With over 40 years of experience and more than $950 million recovered for our clients, our specialized personal injury team offers free, no-obligation consultations to discuss your case and potential compensation.
Our proven track record includes numerous successful settlements for e-scooter accident victims. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. Don’t let critical evidence disappear or insurance companies pressure you into accepting inadequate settlements.
Our dedicated attorneys will thoroughly investigate your accident, identify all liable parties, calculate your complete damages, including future medical needs, and aggressively advocate for the maximum compensation you deserve. Call our 24/7 helpline at +1 415-986-4777 or visit our Fairfield office to schedule your confidential consultation and take the first step toward justice and recovery.
Resources and Local Authorities
For those affected by this incident or seeking additional information about e-scooter regulations and accident reporting in Fresno, the following resources may prove helpful:
Fresno Police Department
2323 Mariposa Street
Fresno, CA 93721
Emergency: 911
Non-Emergency: (559) 621-7000
Traffic Division: (559) 621-5050
Official Website
Traffic Collision Report Request
City of Fresno Department of Transportation (FAX)
2223 G Street
Fresno, CA 93706
Phone: (559) 621-1499
Official Website
Micro-Mobility and Scooter Regulations
California Highway Patrol – Fresno Area Office
5179 N. Gates Avenue
Fresno, CA 93722
Phone: (559) 705-2200
Official Website
Fresno County Victim Services
Phone: (559) 600-2822
Official Website
Witnesses can submit anonymous tips through the Fresno PD’s online reporting system or contact the dedicated Traffic Investigation Unit directly at (559) 621-5066 to report information about this hit-and-run incident or other traffic violations.
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.