A hit-and-run accident at a major Fresno intersection left at least one person injured on Monday afternoon, December 29, 2025. The incident occurred at the junction of State Route 180 and State Route 99, two of the region’s busiest thoroughfares, during the afternoon commute hours. The collision disrupted traffic flow through this critical interchange as emergency responders worked to treat the injured victim and law enforcement initiated their search for the fleeing driver.
This intersection serves as a vital connector for commuters traveling between downtown Fresno, the western neighborhoods, and communities throughout the Central Valley, making the timing of the crash particularly impactful for holiday travelers heading home during the busy week between Christmas and New Year’s.
Details of the Fresno Hit-and-Run Accident
According to the California Highway Patrol, the collision was reported at approximately 2:48 p.m. at the intersection of SR-180 and SR-99. The crash involved two vehicles: a silver Toyota Camry and a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck.
Witnesses at the scene reported that immediately following the impact, the driver of the Chevrolet Silverado fled the scene, leaving the occupants of the Toyota Camry behind. The driver of the Toyota remained at the intersection as required by law.
Emergency responders arrived quickly to provide medical assistance. At least one occupant of the Toyota Camry sustained injuries in the collision and received treatment at the scene. It remains unclear whether the injured party required transportation to a local hospital for further medical care.
Law enforcement officers initiated pursuit of the fleeing vehicle and successfully located and apprehended the Silverado driver a short time later. The driver now faces potential criminal charges related to leaving the scene of an accident with injuries.
Investigation into the Intersection Collision
The California Highway Patrol continues to investigate the circumstances that led to this collision. Investigators are working to determine:
- What caused the initial impact between the two vehicles
- Whether traffic signals or right-of-way violations played a role
- The speed of both cars at the time of the collision
- Whether impairment or distraction contributed to the crash
- The full extent of injuries sustained by the victim
The intersection of SR-180 and SR-99 represents a critical junction in Fresno’s transportation network, connecting the city to communities throughout the Central Valley. High traffic volumes and complex merging patterns at this location have historically contributed to collision risks. Investigators will likely review traffic camera footage from the intersection, interview witnesses, and examine physical evidence from both vehicles to reconstruct the sequence of events.
Investigators will likely review traffic camera footage from the intersection, interview witnesses, and examine physical evidence from both vehicles to reconstruct the sequence of events. The apprehension of the Silverado driver provides CHP investigators with the opportunity to conduct a thorough examination of that vehicle for mechanical defects, signs of impairment including alcohol or drug evidence, and data from the vehicle’s event data recorder (often called a “black box”) which can reveal critical information about the truck’s speed, braking, and steering inputs in the moments before impact.
Additionally, investigators will interview the driver to determine why they fled the scene and whether factors such as outstanding warrants, lack of insurance, suspended license, or intoxication motivated the decision to leave. The driver’s statement, combined with physical evidence and witness accounts, will help prosecutors build their criminal case while also providing the injured victim’s attorneys with crucial information for any civil claims. CHP collision investigators may also analyze skid marks, debris patterns, and vehicle damage to determine the point of impact and which driver may have violated traffic laws leading to the crash.
Understanding Hit-and-Run Accidents in California
Hit-and-run crashes represent some of the most frustrating and legally complex accidents for victims and their families. California law requires all drivers involved in a collision to:
- Stop immediately at the scene
- Provide identification and insurance information
- Render reasonable assistance to injured persons
- Report the accident to law enforcement if injuries or significant property damage occurred
Leaving the scene of an accident with injuries constitutes a serious criminal offense under California Vehicle Code Section 20001. Depending on the severity of injuries, hit-and-run drivers may face:
- Felony charges carry potential state prison sentences
- Substantial fines and restitution payments
- Suspension or revocation of driving privileges
- Civil liability for all damages caused
When a hit-and-run driver is apprehended, as occurred in this Fresno case, victims gain access to the at-fault driver’s insurance coverage. They can pursue criminal restitution through the court system.
Legal Rights of Hit-and-Run Accident Victims
Victims injured in hit-and-run collisions have multiple avenues for seeking compensation, even when the at-fault driver initially flees the scene:
Pursuing Claims Against the At-Fault Driver: When law enforcement successfully identifies and apprehends the fleeing driver, victims can file insurance claims and civil lawsuits against that driver. These claims may cover medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and other losses resulting from the collision.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage: If the hit-and-run driver is never identified or lacks adequate insurance, victims can turn to the uninsured motorist (UM) coverage included in their own auto insurance policy. This coverage is designed specifically to protect California drivers when they are injured by uninsured, underinsured, or unidentified motorists.
MedPay Coverage: Medical payments coverage under your own policy can provide immediate funds for medical treatment following an accident, regardless of who was at fault or whether the other driver was identified.
Crime Victim Compensation: California’s Victim Compensation Board may provide benefits to victims of hit-and-run accidents, including reimbursement for medical costs, lost wages, and other expenses not covered by insurance. The apprehension of the Silverado driver in this case significantly improves the victim’s ability to recover full compensation for their injuries and losses.
Beyond these immediate compensation options, hit-and-run victims in California also have the right to participate in the criminal proceedings against the apprehended driver. Through the victim’s rights provisions under Marsy’s Law (California Constitution Article I, Section 28), accident victims can submit victim impact statements to the court, attend sentencing hearings, and request restitution as part of the criminal case.
Criminal restitution orders require the convicted driver to compensate the victim for their economic losses, including medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. These orders can be enforced through wage garnishment and other collection methods if the defendant fails to pay voluntarily. Additionally, the fact that a driver fled the scene can significantly strengthen a civil case, as this conduct demonstrates consciousness of guilt and can support claims for punitive damages in some circumstances.
Insurance companies are also more likely to offer fair settlements when their policyholder has been arrested for a hit-and-run incident, as the criminal charges provide strong evidence of liability. Working with an experienced personal injury attorney ensures that victims understand all available legal remedies and can coordinate their civil claims with any ongoing criminal proceedings to maximize their recovery.
Common Injuries in Intersection Collisions
Intersection accidents often result in serious injuries due to the angles of impact and the surprise nature of these collisions. Even when specific injury details haven’t been publicly released, victims of intersection crashes commonly suffer:
- Whiplash and soft tissue neck injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries from head impacts
- Broken bones and fractures
- Spinal cord injuries affecting mobility
- Internal organ damage from blunt force trauma
- Psychological trauma, including PTSD and anxiety
The full extent of accident injuries may not become apparent for hours or even days following a collision. Victims who initially decline ambulance transport sometimes discover they have serious injuries after the adrenaline wears off and symptoms develop.
Side-impact collisions, which are particularly common at intersections like SR-180 and SR-99, pose unique dangers because vehicles offer far less protection on their sides compared to front and rear crumple zones. When a Chevrolet Silverado or similar heavy pickup truck strikes a passenger car, such as a Toyota Camry, from the side, the weight and height differential dramatically increases the severity of injuries for occupants of the smaller vehicle.
The force of impact can push victims sideways within their car, causing their heads to strike windows or door frames, leading to concussions or skull fractures. Chest and abdominal injuries are also common in T-bone crashes as the door intrudes into the passenger compartment, potentially causing rib fractures, lung contusions, liver lacerations, or spleen injuries.
Occupants on the struck side face the highest risk, but even passengers on the opposite side can suffer significant injuries from the violent lateral movement. Additionally, intersection collisions frequently involve vehicles traveling at higher speeds as drivers attempt to clear the intersection, and the lack of warning prevents drivers and passengers from bracing for impact, which can worsen injury outcomes.
One of the most concerning aspects of intersection collision injuries is that many victims experience a delayed onset of symptoms that may not manifest until hours or even days after the crash. Soft tissue injuries, such as whiplash, can take 24-48 hours to develop fully as inflammation and muscle spasms gradually worsen. Internal bleeding from organ damage may be slow and initially asymptomatic, only becoming apparent when blood loss reaches dangerous levels.
Traumatic brain injuries are particularly deceptive, as victims may feel relatively normal immediately after the accident while dangerous intracranial bleeding or swelling develops over subsequent hours. This delayed presentation is why emergency medical personnel strongly encourage all accident victims to seek immediate medical evaluation, even when they feel fine at the scene.
From a legal perspective, seeking prompt medical attention creates crucial documentation linking injuries to the accident, which becomes essential when filing insurance claims or lawsuits. Insurance companies often argue that delayed medical treatment means injuries weren’t serious or weren’t caused by the collision, making immediate medical evaluation critical for both health and legal reasons.
Victims should also be aware that some injuries, particularly to the spine or joints, may not reach their full severity until weeks or months after the accident, which is why California law provides injured parties with two years from the date of injury to file personal injury lawsuits.
What GJEL’s Fresno Accident Attorneys Want You to Know
Hit-and-run accidents add a layer of trauma for victims who are already dealing with injuries and property damage. Not only are you physically hurt, but you’re left with the emotional distress of someone fleeing the scene rather than taking responsibility. Fortunately, California law provides multiple pathways for victims to recover compensation. When the driver is caught, as in this case, we can hold them fully accountable for the harm they’ve caused.
One critical mistake we see victims make is accepting early settlement offers from insurance companies before they fully understand the extent of their injuries or the long-term impact on their lives. Insurance adjusters often contact accident victims within days of a collision, offering what appears to be a reasonable settlement to resolve the claim quickly.
However, these early offers rarely account for ongoing medical treatment, future surgeries, permanent disabilities, or the full scope of pain and suffering the victim will endure. Once you accept a settlement and sign a release, you typically cannot pursue additional compensation later, even if your injuries turn out to be far more serious than initially diagnosed.
This is especially problematic with intersection collision injuries, which frequently involve complex medical issues that take weeks or months to manifest fully. Our attorneys at GJEL advise clients never to accept any settlement offer or sign any documents from an insurance company without first consulting with an experienced personal injury lawyer.
We provide free case evaluations and can review any offers you’ve received to ensure they truly reflect the full value of your claim. Insurance companies have teams of lawyers working to minimize what they pay out, and you deserve to have experienced legal advocates protecting your interests and fighting for the compensation you genuinely need and deserve.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a hit-and-run accident in Fresno or anywhere in California, the experienced legal team at GJEL Accident Attorneys can help you navigate the complexities of your case. We understand the unique challenges faced by hit-and-run victims and have recovered over $1 billion for our clients since 1972.
Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, which means:
- You pay nothing up front to hire our experienced attorneys
- We advance all costs of investigating and pursuing your case
- You owe us nothing unless we successfully recover compensation for you
- Our fee comes only from the settlement or verdict we obtain
This arrangement ensures that all accident victims, regardless of their financial situation, have access to top-tier legal representation when they need it most.
Steps to Take After a Hit-and-Run Accident
If you’re ever involved in a hit-and-run collision, taking the proper steps immediately can protect both your health and your legal rights:
- Prioritize Safety and Medical Care: If possible, move to a safe location and call 911 immediately. Accept medical evaluation even if you don’t think you’re seriously injured.
- Document Everything You Can: Try to note the fleeing vehicle’s make, model, color, license plate, direction of travel, and any distinguishing features. Take photos of the accident scene, your vehicle damage, and your injuries.
- Identify Witnesses: Get names and contact information from anyone who saw the accident. Their statements may prove crucial to your case.
- Report to Law Enforcement: File an official police report as soon as possible. This documentation creates an official record and triggers law enforcement’s investigation efforts.
- Notify Your Insurance Company: Report the accident to your insurer promptly to preserve your rights under uninsured motorist and other coverages.
- Preserve Evidence: Keep all medical records, repair estimates, receipts, and documentation related to the accident and your recovery.
- Consult an Experienced Attorney: Before providing recorded statements to any insurance company or accepting any settlement offers, speak with a qualified personal injury attorney who can protect your rights.
Beyond these immediate actions, victims should also be mindful of critical legal deadlines and documentation practices that can significantly impact their case. In California, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit under the statute of limitations, but waiting too long can compromise your case as evidence degrades, witnesses become unavailable, and memories fade.
Keep a detailed journal documenting your injuries, pain levels, medical appointments, how the injuries affect your daily activities, and any emotional or psychological impacts you experience. This contemporaneous record can prove invaluable when demonstrating the full extent of your damages to insurance companies or juries.
Please take photographs of your injuries as they evolve during recovery, showing bruising, swelling, surgical scars, and any visible effects of your treatment. Request copies of all police reports, accident reports, and investigative documents related to your case. Be highly cautious about social media activity following your accident, as insurance companies routinely monitor victims’ social media accounts looking for posts, photos, or comments they can use to undermine injury claims.
Even innocent posts about daily activities can be mischaracterized to suggest your injuries aren’t as severe as claimed. Finally, maintain organized files of all accident-related expenses, including not just medical bills but also prescription costs, mileage to medical appointments, parking fees, medical equipment purchases, home care services, and any other out-of-pocket expenses resulting from the collision.
How Much Is Your Hit-and-Run Accident Case Worth?
Every accident case is unique, and the value of your claim depends on numerous factors specific to your situation. Our settlement calculator considers variables including:
- Medical expenses (emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, ongoing treatment, rehabilitation)
- Lost income and diminished earning capacity
- Property damage to your vehicle
- Pain and suffering from your injuries
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Impact on your quality of life and daily activities
The apprehension of the at-fault driver in this case significantly impacts the potential recovery available to the victim, as it provides clear accountability and access to the driver’s insurance coverage. For a personalized evaluation of what your specific case may be worth, contact GJEL Accident Attorneys for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Experienced Fresno Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyers
At GJEL Accident Attorneys, our legal team has spent decades helping California accident victims recover the compensation they deserve. Since our founding in 1972, we’ve secured over $1 billion for our clients, and our 99% success rate speaks to our commitment and skill in handling complex accident cases.
Our attorneys have particular experience with hit-and-run accidents, understanding the unique investigative, legal, and insurance challenges these cases present. We work closely with law enforcement, accident reconstruction experts, and medical professionals to build the strongest possible case for our clients.
When you choose GJEL, you benefit from:
- More than 50 years of personal injury experience
- A proven track record with a 99% success rate
- A team approach that brings multiple attorneys’ expertise to your case
- Resources to thoroughly investigate and pursue complex claims
- Direct attorney communication and personalized attention
- No fees unless we win your case
Understanding Hit-and-Run Accident Settlement Calculators
Hit-and-run accident settlement calculators are valuable tools that help victims estimate the potential value of their personal injury claims by systematically evaluating both economic and non-economic damages. These calculators work by collecting detailed information about your accident and injuries, then applying established legal formulas and historical settlement data to generate an estimated range of compensation.
Economic damages—the quantifiable financial losses—include all medical expenses from emergency room visits, hospitalizations, surgeries, physical therapy, medications, and future medical care, as well as lost wages from time off work, reduced earning capacity if you can’t return to your previous job, and property damage to your vehicle.
Non-economic damages, which compensate for intangible losses, include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and permanent disability or disfigurement. The calculator typically multiplies your economic damages by a factor between 1.5 and 5, depending on injury severity, with more serious injuries like traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or permanent disabilities receiving higher multipliers.
For hit-and-run cases where the driver is apprehended, the calculator may also factor in potential punitive damages if the driver’s conduct was particularly egregious. While these calculators provide helpful baseline estimates, they cannot account for all the nuances of your specific case, such as how sympathetically a jury might view your circumstances, the skill of your attorney, the quality of available evidence, or the at-fault driver’s insurance policy limits.
That’s why it’s essential to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney who can review your calculator results, explain what factors might increase or decrease your actual settlement value, and develop a comprehensive legal strategy tailored to maximize your recovery. At GJEL Accident Attorneys, we offer free case evaluations, where our legal team provides a more accurate assessment of the actual value of your hit-and-run accident claim, based on our decades of experience securing maximum compensation for California accident victims. Call us now at +1-866-218-3776 to speak with our experts.
Take Action Today – Get the Help You Deserve
“Being involved in a hit-and-run accident can feel overwhelming and violating—not only are you dealing with injuries and vehicle damage, but someone made the conscious choice to flee rather than face responsibility for their actions. If you’re the victim in this Fresno intersection collision, please know that you have legal rights and options, even though the other driver initially left the scene. The fact that law enforcement apprehended the Silverado driver is significant for your case—it means we can hold them accountable through both the criminal justice system and civil claims for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and all other damages. Don’t let the chaos of the moment prevent you from protecting your future. Seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel okay right now, because some serious injuries don’t show symptoms for hours or days. Document everything you can remember about the collision, preserve all evidence and receipts, and reach out to an experienced personal injury attorney before speaking with any insurance companies. At GJEL, we’ve spent over 50 years fighting for accident victims across California, and we know exactly how to navigate the unique challenges hit-and-run cases present. You shouldn’t have to face this difficult time alone or worry about legal complexities while you’re trying to heal. Call us at 1-866-218-3776 for a free consultation—we work on a contingency basis, so you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Let us handle the legal battle so you can focus on your recovery.”- Andy Gillin, GJEL Accident Attorneys
If you or someone you love was injured in this hit-and-run accident at the SR-180 and SR-99 intersection in Fresno, or in any traffic collision throughout California, don’t wait to protect your legal rights and secure the compensation you deserve. The experienced personal injury attorneys at GJEL Accident Attorneys are standing by to provide you with a completely free, no-obligation case evaluation where we’ll listen to your story, answer all your questions, explain your legal options, and chart a clear path forward for your recovery.
We understand that accident victims are often worried about legal fees during an already stressful and financially difficult time, which is why GJEL operates exclusively on a contingency fee basis—this means you pay absolutely nothing upfront to hire our award-winning legal team, we advance all costs associated with investigating and building your case, and you owe us nothing whatsoever unless we successfully recover compensation for you through settlement or trial verdict.
Our fee is derived solely from the recovery we obtain on your behalf, aligning our interests completely with yours and ensuring that every client, regardless of their financial circumstances, has access to the exact top-tier legal representation that has helped us secure over $1 billion for our clients since 1972. Time is critical in hit-and-run cases—evidence can disappear, witnesses’ memories fade, and California’s statute of limitations provides only two years to file your claim. Don’t delay. Contact GJEL Accident Attorneys now at 1-866-218-3776 or visit our Orinda office for a complimentary consultation. Let our 99% success rate and more than five decades of experience work for you. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by reaching out today.
Local Resources for Fresno Accident Victims
If you’ve been injured in this accident or any collision in the Fresno area, the following comprehensive resources may assist you with medical care, legal support, law enforcement assistance, and victim services:
Emergency Medical Care:
- Community Regional Medical Center (Level I Trauma Center): 2823 Fresno St, Fresno, CA 93721 | Emergency: (559) 459-6000 | www.communitymedical.org
- Saint Agnes Medical Center: 1303 E Herndon Ave, Fresno, CA 93720 | Emergency: (559) 450-3000 | www.samc.com
- Kaiser Permanente Fresno Medical Center: 7300 N Fresno St, Fresno, CA 93720 | Emergency: (559) 448-4500 | www.kp.org
- UCSF Fresno: 155 N Fresno St, Fresno, CA 93701 | (559) 499-6400 | www.fresno.ucsf.edu
Law Enforcement & Accident Reports:
- California Highway Patrol – Fresno Area Office: 5770 E McKinley Ave, Fresno, CA 93727 | Non-Emergency: (559) 262-0400 | Emergency: 911 | www.chp.ca.gov/find-an-office/central-division/fresno
- Request accident reports online: www.chp.ca.gov/news-alerts/traffic-incident-information-page
- Fresno Police Department: 2323 Mariposa St, Fresno, CA 93721 | Non-Emergency: (559) 621-7000 | Emergency: 911 | www.fresno.gov/police
- Online Police Report Request: www.fresno.gov/police/police-reports
- Fresno County Sheriff’s Office: 2200 Fresno St, Fresno, CA 93721 | (559) 600-3111 | www.fresnosheriff.org
Transportation & Traffic Safety Agencies:
- Fresno Council of Governments (Fresno COG): 2035 Tulare St, Suite 201, Fresno, CA 93721 | (559) 233-4148 | www.fresnocog.org
- Regional Transportation Plan and traffic safety initiatives
- California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) – District 6: 1352 W Olive Ave, Fresno, CA 93728 | (559) 445-6000 | www.dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-6
- Traffic conditions, road closures, and highway safety information
- California Office of Traffic Safety: (916) 509-3030 | www.ots.ca.gov
- Traffic safety resources and accident prevention programs
Victim Services & Financial Assistance:
- California Victim Compensation Board: P.O. Box 350, Sacramento, CA 95812 | Toll-Free: (800) 777-9229 | www.victims.ca.gov
- Financial assistance for medical bills, lost wages, funeral expenses, and mental health counseling
- Marjaree Mason Center (Fresno County Victim Services): 1600 M St, Fresno, CA 93721 | 24-Hour Crisis Line: (559) 233-4357 | www.marjareemason.org
- Fresno County District Attorney’s Victim Services: 2220 Tulare St, Suite 1000, Fresno, CA 93721 | (559) 600-3141 | www.fresnocountyda.org/victim-services
Legal Assistance:
- GJEL Accident Attorneys: Serving Fresno and all of Central California | Toll-Free: 1-866-218-3776 | www.gjel.com
- Free case evaluation, contingency fee representation, over 50 years of experience
- State Bar of California Attorney Search: www.calbar.ca.gov
- Verify attorney credentials and standing
- Legal Services of Northern California (for low-income residents): 2115 Kern St, Suite 200, Fresno, CA 93721 | (559) 570-1200 | www.lsnc.net
Insurance Resources:
- California Department of Insurance: Consumer Hotline: (800) 927-4357 | www.insurance.ca.gov
- File complaints against insurance companies, and understand your coverage rights
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners Consumer Information: www.naic.org/state-insurance-departments
Mental Health & Counseling Services:
- Fresno County Department of Behavioral Health: 24-Hour Access Line: (800) 654-3937 | www.co.fresno.ca.us/departments/behavioral-health
- Community Behavioral Health Center: Multiple locations | (559) 600-8480 | www.cbhcinc.org
- PTSD counseling, trauma therapy, and accident-related emotional support
Social Services & Support:
- Fresno County Department of Social Services: 3133 N Millbrook Ave, Fresno, CA 93703 | (855) 832-3451 | www.co.fresno.ca.us/departments/social-services
- CalFresh food assistance, Medi-Cal health coverage, CalWORKs cash assistance
- United Way of Fresno and Madera Counties: Dial 211 or (559) 226-1911 | www.uwfm.org
- Connects residents to community resources and emergency assistance
Vehicle Towing & Storage:
- California Highway Patrol Tow Rotation List: Contact Fresno Area CHP Office at (559) 262-0400 for authorized tow companies
- Fresno Police Department Tow Information: (559) 621-7000
- Official Police Garage (OPG): 1025 N Street, Fresno, CA 93721 | (559) 498-1010
- Vehicle release and impound information
Fresno County Superior Court:
- Civil Division: 1130 O St, Fresno, CA 93721 | (559) 457-2000 | www.fresno.courts.ca.gov
- File personal injury lawsuits, access court records, small claims information
Additional Resources:
- California DMV – Fresno Office: 1377 Fulton St, Fresno, CA 93721 | (800) 777-0133 | www.dmv.ca.gov
- Driver’s license issues, vehicle registration, and accident reporting requirements
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): (888) 327-4236 | www.nhtsa.gov
- Vehicle safety recalls, crash statistics, and safety ratings
- Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) – Central Valley: (877) 623-3435 | www.madd.org
- Support for victims of impaired driving crashes
These resources provide comprehensive support for accident victims dealing with medical emergencies, legal matters, financial hardships, emotional trauma, and the complex aftermath of traffic collisions. Don’t hesitate to reach out to multiple agencies—each offers unique services designed to help you through this challenging time.
