A devastating pedestrian accident on Highway 99 in Fresno has claimed the life of a 16-year-old local student, marking the second fatal pedestrian collision on the same highway in less than two weeks. The tragic incident occurred during morning hours on Thursday, February 6, 2026, when the teen attempted to cross the busy northbound lanes of the highway.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the victim was a student at Justin Garza High School who was attempting to cross the northbound lanes of Highway 99 toward the center divider when struck by a pickup truck. Despite the rapid response of emergency personnel who arrived within minutes and initiated life-saving measures, the young victim was pronounced dead at the scene. This heartbreaking loss has sent shockwaves through the Fresno community and raised urgent questions about pedestrian safety on one of California’s busiest highways.
Details of the Highway 99 Pedestrian Accident
The fatal collision occurred during the morning hours of February 6, 2026, on northbound Highway 99 in Fresno. The California Highway Patrol reports that the 16-year-old victim was attempting to cross the northbound lanes toward the center divider when the collision occurred.
A pickup truck traveling in the northbound lanes struck the pedestrian. The driver of the pickup truck remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators. At this time, the CHP has not indicated that impairment or distraction played a role in the collision, though the investigation remains ongoing.
Emergency medical personnel and CHP officers arrived within minutes of the collision and immediately began life-saving efforts. Tragically, the severity of the injuries sustained was too great, and the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
The collision caused significant traffic disruptions during morning commute hours as investigators documented the scene and gathered evidence. The California Highway Patrol’s Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) was called to the scene to conduct a thorough examination of all factors that may have contributed to this tragedy.
Alarming Pattern of Pedestrian Fatalities on Highway 99
This tragic loss marks the second pedestrian fatality on Highway 99 in the Fresno area in less than two weeks, highlighting a disturbing pattern of preventable deaths on this dangerous roadway.
In late January 2026, a 37-year-old man was struck and killed while walking in traffic on southbound Highway 99 near Fresno Street. The circumstances of that collision remain under investigation, but it underscores the extreme danger pedestrians face when on or near freeway lanes.
Highway 99 is a major transportation corridor running through California’s Central Valley, carrying thousands of vehicles daily at high speeds. The highway was not designed for pedestrian access, and those who attempt to walk along or cross the roadway face life-threatening risks from fast-moving traffic.
The California Highway Patrol has repeatedly emphasized that pedestrians should never attempt to walk on or cross freeways. When pedestrians are spotted on Highway 99 or other limited-access highways, motorists are urged to immediately report the situation by calling 911, as even seconds of delay can mean the difference between life and death.
Why Pedestrians End Up on Highways
While highways and freeways are clearly dangerous for pedestrians, several factors can lead people to walk on these roadways:
Vehicle Breakdowns: Motorists whose vehicles have broken down may attempt to walk along the shoulder or cross lanes to reach an exit or call box, particularly if their cell phone battery has died.
Mental Health Crises: Individuals experiencing mental health emergencies or disorientation may wander onto highways without fully comprehending the danger.
Substance Impairment: Pedestrians under the influence of alcohol or drugs may exercise poor judgment and enter freeway lanes.
Lack of Alternative Routes: In some areas, limited pedestrian infrastructure or crossings may lead people to take dangerous shortcuts across highways.
Homelessness: Unhoused individuals may walk along highways while traveling between locations, particularly in areas with encampments near freeway underpasses.
Youth and Risk-Taking Behavior: Teenagers and young adults may underestimate the dangers of crossing highways, viewing it as a shortcut or challenge. Adolescent brain development affects risk assessment and impulse control, which can lead young people to make dangerous decisions that older adults would avoid.
Peer pressure, the desire to save time, or simple inexperience with traffic patterns can all contribute to tragic choices. In cases involving students, the pressure to get to school on time or the lack of safe pedestrian routes near educational facilities may push young people to take life-threatening risks by attempting to cross high-speed roadways rather than using designated overpasses or waiting for safer crossing opportunities.
Regardless of the reason, the outcome is often tragic. High-speed traffic on highways leaves drivers with minimal time to react when a pedestrian suddenly appears in their path.
Legal Rights After a Pedestrian Accident
When a pedestrian is struck and killed on a highway or any roadway, the victim’s family may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim against the responsible parties.
In California, wrongful death claims allow certain family members to seek compensation for:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical costs incurred before death
- Loss of financial support that the deceased would have provided
- Loss of companionship, love, and guidance
- Pain and suffering experienced by surviving family members
Even in cases where a pedestrian was walking on a highway—an inherently dangerous act—liability may still rest with the driver if they were speeding, distracted, impaired, or otherwise negligent. California’s comparative negligence laws mean that compensation can still be recovered even if the pedestrian bears some responsibility for the accident, though the amount may be reduced proportionally.
Beyond the driver, other parties may share liability depending on the circumstances:
Government Entities: If inadequate signage, poor lighting, or highway design defects contributed to the collision, the government agency responsible for highway maintenance could be held accountable.
Vehicle Manufacturers: In rare cases, if a vehicle defect prevented the driver from stopping or controlling the vehicle, the manufacturer may bear some responsibility.
Employers: If the driver was operating a commercial vehicle or driving for work purposes at the time of the collision, their employer may be liable under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior.
An experienced pedestrian accident attorney can investigate all potential sources of liability and help grieving families understand their legal options during this difficult time.
The Devastating Impact on Families and Communities
The loss of a 16-year-old student represents an unspeakable tragedy for the victim’s family, friends, and the entire Justin Garza High School community. A young life with limitless potential has been cut short, leaving behind grieving parents, siblings, classmates, and teachers struggling to make sense of this devastating loss.
For the victim’s family, the pain is immeasurable. Parents have lost their child, siblings have lost a brother or sister, and grandparents have experienced the unnatural grief of outliving a grandchild. The emotional trauma of such a sudden and violent death can have lasting psychological effects on all who loved the victim.
The student body at Justin Garza High School is also profoundly affected. Classmates must now cope with the loss of a peer, and school counselors will likely be providing support services to help students process their grief. The ripple effects of this tragedy will be felt throughout the school community for months and years to come.
Beyond the immediate circle of family and friends, the broader Fresno community feels the weight of this preventable death. Two pedestrian fatalities on the same highway in two weeks serve as a stark reminder that roadway safety is a shared responsibility requiring vigilance from drivers, pedestrians, and government agencies alike.
How GJEL Accident Attorneys Can Help
At GJEL Accident Attorneys, we understand that no amount of money can bring back a loved one or heal the pain of such a devastating loss. However, we also know that families face very real financial pressures following a wrongful death, and they deserve justice and accountability from those responsible.
Our pedestrian accident attorneys have decades of experience representing families who have lost loved ones in traffic collisions throughout California. We approach each case with compassion, professionalism, and a commitment to securing maximum compensation for our clients.
When you work with GJEL Accident Attorneys, we will:
- Conduct a thorough investigation of the collision, including obtaining police reports, witness statements, and any available video footage
- Consult with accident reconstruction experts to determine exactly how and why the collision occurred
- Identify all potentially liable parties and applicable insurance policies
- Handle all communication with insurance companies so you can focus on grieving and healing
- Calculate the full extent of your damages, including both economic and non-economic losses
- Negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement, or take your case to trial if necessary
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no upfront costs and no attorney fees unless we win your case. This “no win, no fee” structure ensures that families have access to quality legal representation regardless of their financial situation.
The loss of a teenage pedestrian on Highway 99 is an absolute tragedy that should never have happened. This young person had their entire life ahead of them, and now their family is left to grieve an unimaginable loss. While freeways are dangerous places for pedestrians, drivers still have a responsibility to maintain control of their vehicles and watch for unexpected hazards. At GJEL Accident Attorneys, we are committed to helping families seek accountability and justice after preventable deaths like this one.
Preventing Future Pedestrian Tragedies on Highways
While individual circumstances vary, there are several measures that can help reduce pedestrian fatalities on highways:
For Motorists:
- Remain alert and scan the roadway ahead for unexpected hazards
- Immediately report pedestrians seen on highways by calling 911
- Reduce speed and change lanes safely when approaching anyone on or near the roadway
- Never drive distracted or impaired
For Pedestrians:
- Never attempt to walk on or cross highways or freeways
- If your vehicle breaks down on a highway, stay inside with your seatbelt fastened and call for help
- If you must exit the vehicle, move as far from traffic lanes as possible and behind guardrails when available
- Wear reflective or bright-colored clothing if walking near roadways at night
For Government Agencies:
- Maintain adequate lighting on highways, particularly in areas near residential neighborhoods
- Install and maintain clear signage warning drivers of pedestrian activity in areas where incidents have occurred
- Provide regular patrols to identify and assist pedestrians who have entered highway lanes
- Develop improved barriers and fencing in areas where pedestrians frequently access highways
The California Highway Patrol continues to emphasize that reporting pedestrians on highways immediately can save lives. Even a brief delay in alerting authorities can result in tragedy.
Understanding Wrongful Death Settlement Values
A wrongful death settlement calculator is a valuable tool that helps families understand the potential value of their claim by analyzing multiple economic and non-economic factors. These calculators use established legal formulas and actuarial tables to compute both tangible damages—such as lost wages, benefits, and financial support the deceased would have provided over their lifetime—and intangible losses, such as the emotional impact of losing companionship, guidance, and love.
For younger victims like teenagers, the calculator projects potential lifetime earnings based on education level, career trajectory, and regional employment data, while also factoring in the decades of relationship and support that surviving family members have lost. The calculator considers California-specific laws regarding wrongful death compensation, including which family members are eligible to recover damages and how comparative negligence might affect the final award.
While no calculator can account for every unique aspect of a case or replace the expertise of an experienced attorney, these tools provide families with a realistic baseline understanding of what their case may be worth, helping them make informed decisions about settlement offers and ensuring insurance companies don’t take advantage of grieving families during their most vulnerable moments. Call us now at +1-866-218-3776 to speak with our experts.
Taking the First Step Toward Justice
“Losing a 16-year-old child in such a sudden and violent way is every parent’s worst nightmare, and my heart truly goes out to this family during this unimaginably difficult time. While no legal outcome can ever bring back a loved one or ease the profound grief of such a loss, families do have legal rights that deserve to be protected. In cases like this, it’s important to understand that even though a pedestrian was on a highway—which we all know is extremely dangerous—drivers still have a legal duty to maintain control of their vehicles and remain vigilant for unexpected hazards. California’s comparative negligence laws mean that families can still pursue justice and compensation even in complex situations. The investigation into exactly what happened is critical, and evidence can disappear quickly if not preserved. If you’ve lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident, I strongly encourage you to speak with an experienced wrongful death attorney as soon as possible. At GJEL Accident Attorneys, we handle everything on a contingency fee basis, so there’s no financial risk to your family during this devastating time. You shouldn’t have to face this alone, and you deserve answers, accountability, and the financial security to move forward.” – Andy Gillin, Managing Partner, GJEL Accident Attorneys
If you have lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident in Fresno or anywhere in California, the compassionate wrongful death attorneys at GJEL Accident Attorneys are here to help. We have recovered over $1 billion for our clients and have the experience, resources, and dedication needed to handle the most complex pedestrian accident cases.
We understand that this is an incredibly difficult time for you and your family. Let us handle the legal complexities while you focus on healing and honoring your loved one’s memory.
Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation. We will review the details of your case, explain your legal options, and answer all your questions. Remember, we work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Don’t wait to protect your family’s legal rights. California law imposes strict deadlines for filing wrongful death claims, and valuable evidence can be lost if action is not taken promptly. Call GJEL Accident Attorneys at +1-866-218-3776 or visit our San Francisco office to schedule your free consultation. We are here to fight for justice on your behalf.
Fresno Area Resources for Accident Victims and Families
If you or someone you know has been affected by a pedestrian accident in the Fresno area, the following resources may provide assistance:
California Highway Patrol – Fresno Area Office 5010 East Clinton Avenue Fresno, CA 93727 Non-Emergency: (559) 262-0400 Emergency: 911 Website: www.chp.ca.gov The CHP investigates all traffic collisions on state highways, including Highway 99, and can provide accident reports and collision information.
Fresno Police Department 2323 Mariposa Street Fresno, CA 93721 Non-Emergency: (559) 621-7000 Emergency: 911 Website: www.fresno.gov/police Traffic Division: (559) 621-2400 The FPD Traffic Division investigates collisions on city streets and can assist with accident reports and traffic safety concerns.
Fresno County Sheriff’s Office 2200 Fresno Street Fresno, CA 93721 Non-Emergency: (559) 600-3111 Emergency: 911 Website: www.fresnosheriff.org The Sheriff’s Office handles traffic enforcement and collision investigations in unincorporated areas of Fresno County.
Community Regional Medical Center 2823 Fresno Street Fresno, CA 93721 (559) 459-6000 Emergency Department: 24/7 Website: www.communitymedical.org A Level I trauma center providing emergency care for serious injuries.
Saint Agnes Medical Center, 1303 E. Herndon Avenue, Fresno, CA 93720 (559) 450-3000. Emergency Department: 24/7. Website: www.samc.com. Provides comprehensive emergency and trauma services.
Fresno County Victim Services 2220 Tulare Street, Suite 1000 Fresno, CA 93721 (559) 600-3733 Email: victimservices@fresnocountyca.gov Website: www.co.fresno.ca.us/departments/district-attorney/victim-services Provides crisis intervention, counseling referrals, and assistance navigating the criminal justice system for crime victims and their families.
California Victim Compensation Board
Fresno Council of Governments (Fresno COG) 2035 Tulare Street, Suite 201 Fresno, CA 93721 (559) 233-4148 Website: www.fresnocog.org The regional transportation planning agency that addresses traffic safety issues and coordinates transportation improvements throughout Fresno County.
California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) – District 6 2015 East Shields Avenue, Suite 100 Fresno, CA 93726 (559) 445-6200 Website: www.dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-6 Responsible for maintaining and improving state highways, including Highway 99. Can be contacted regarding highway safety concerns, lighting issues, or roadway hazards.
Fresno County Department of Public Health – Behavioral Health 1331 Fulton Street Fresno, CA 93721 Crisis Line: (559) 600-9291 (24/7) Main Line: (559) 600-9030 Website: www.co.fresno.ca.us/departments/behavioral-health Provides mental health services and crisis intervention for individuals and families experiencing trauma or grief.
Central California Legal Services 2115 Kern Street, Suite 1 Fresno, CA 93721 (559) 570-1200 Toll-Free: 1-800-675-8001 Website: www.centralcallegal.org Provides free legal assistance to low-income residents in civil matters, including assistance with victim compensation claims.
Marjaree Mason Center (Domestic Violence and Crisis Services) 1600 M Street Fresno, CA 93721 24-Hour Crisis Line: (559) 233-4357 Administrative: (559) 233-4479 Website: www.mmcenterfresno.org Offers crisis intervention, counseling, and victim advocacy services.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 24/7 Crisis Support: 988 Website: www.988lifeline.org Provides free and confidential support for people in distress and crisis resources.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) – Central Valley Victim Services: 1-877-MADD-HELP (1-877-623-3435); Website: www.madd.org. Provides emotional support and victim advocacy services for families affected by impaired-driving crashes.
These organizations can provide medical treatment, crisis counseling, victim advocacy services, legal assistance, and help navigate the aftermath of a serious accident or loss. Many of these services are available 24/7 and at no cost to victims and their families.
