A devastating pedestrian accident claimed the life of a woman in Fresno County on Monday evening, June 23, 2025, highlighting the ongoing dangers pedestrians face on busy roadways throughout California. The incident occurred around 9:45 p.m. on Shields Avenue, west of Dewolf Avenue, when a 20-year-old driver from Clovis struck the woman while she was crossing the street.
Details of the Fresno County Pedestrian Accident
According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), officers responded to reports of a crash involving a pedestrian and found the woman lying in the roadway. Despite immediate lifesaving efforts from emergency responders, the woman succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the driver was operating a Toyota Tundra eastbound on Shields Avenue when the pedestrian crossed directly in front of the vehicle.
The driver could not avoid the collision and remained at the scene following the incident. CHP confirmed that the driver sustained no injuries during the crash.
The identities of both the victim and the driver have not been released pending further investigation and notification of family members.
Pedestrian Safety Concerns in Fresno County
This tragic incident underscores the persistent pedestrian safety challenges facing Fresno County and surrounding areas. Like many major regional thoroughfares, Shields Avenue experiences heavy traffic volumes, particularly during evening hours when visibility conditions can be compromised.
Pedestrian accidents often occur due to various factors, including poor lighting, driver inattention, excessive speed, and inadequate crosswalk infrastructure. When pedestrians attempt to cross busy streets outside designated crossing areas, the risk of serious injury or death increases significantly.
Legal Rights for Pedestrian Accident Victims and Families
When a pedestrian accident results in serious injury or death, victims and their families may have legal options to pursue compensation for their losses. Understanding these rights is crucial during an already difficult time.
Wrongful Death Claims
In cases where a pedestrian accident results in death, surviving family members may be entitled to file a wrongful death claim. These claims can compensate for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future earnings, and the emotional pain and suffering experienced by surviving loved ones.
Establishing Liability in Pedestrian Accidents
Determining fault in pedestrian accidents requires careful investigation of the incident’s circumstances. Factors that may influence liability include:
- Whether the pedestrian was crossing in a designated crosswalk
- Traffic signal compliance by both parties
- Vehicle speed at the time of impact
- Road and weather conditions
- Visibility factors such as lighting and time of day
- Driver behavior, including potential distraction or impairment
Insurance Coverage Considerations
California requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance, which may provide coverage for pedestrian accident victims. However, insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts or deny claims entirely. Experienced legal representation ensures victims receive fair compensation for their injuries and losses.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in California
Understanding the leading causes of pedestrian accidents can help promote awareness and prevention efforts throughout communities like Fresno County.
Driver-Related Factors
Distracted driving remains one of the most significant contributors to pedestrian accidents. Drivers texting, talking on phones, or engaging with in-vehicle technology may fail to notice pedestrians in their path. Speeding also reduces reaction time and increases the severity of injuries when collisions occur.
Pedestrian Behavior
While drivers bear primary responsibility for operating their vehicles safely, pedestrian actions can also contribute to accidents. Crossing outside designated areas, failing to observe traffic signals, and walking while distracted can increase accident risk.
Environmental Conditions
Poor lighting, weather conditions, and inadequate infrastructure can create hazardous situations for drivers and pedestrians. Many accidents occur during evening hours when visibility is reduced, making it more difficult for drivers to see pedestrians.
Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident
If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident, taking immediate action can protect your legal rights and improve your chances of obtaining fair compensation.
Seek Medical Attention
Even seemingly minor injuries can become serious complications if left untreated. Always seek medical evaluation following any pedestrian accident, as adrenaline and shock can mask the severity of injuries.
Document the Scene
If physically able, gather evidence at the accident scene, including photographs of the vehicles involved, the roadway conditions, and any visible injuries. Obtain contact information from witnesses who observed the incident.
Report the Accident
California law requires reporting accidents involving injury or death to law enforcement. Ensure an official police report is filed; this documentation will be crucial for any subsequent legal proceedings.
Contact an Experienced Attorney
Pedestrian accident cases involve complex legal and insurance issues that require specialized knowledge. An experienced personal injury attorney can investigate the circumstances of your accident, negotiate with insurance companies, and ensure your rights are protected throughout the process.
Compensation Available for Pedestrian Accident Victims
Depending on the circumstances of their case and the extent of their injuries, pedestrian accident victims may be entitled to various types of compensation.
Economic Damages
These quantifiable losses include medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and reduced earning capacity. In fatal accidents, economic damages may include funeral expenses and the deceased’s lost future earnings.
Non-Economic Damages
These more subjective losses encompass pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of companionship. In wrongful death cases, family members may recover damages for their grief and loss of relationship with the deceased.
Punitive Damages
In cases involving particularly egregious conduct, such as drunk driving or reckless behavior, courts may award punitive damages designed to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar future conduct.
Understanding Pedestrian Accident Settlement Calculators
Pedestrian accident settlement calculators can provide a general estimate of potential compensation. It’s essential to understand their limitations and proper use.
To generate an approximate settlement range, these digital tools typically factor in medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering multipliers, and other quantifiable damages.
However, pedestrian accident cases involve unique complexities that generic calculators cannot fully capture, such as long-term rehabilitation needs, permanent disabilities, psychological trauma, and the specific circumstances of each incident.
The severity of pedestrian injuries often results in settlements significantly higher than those in typical auto accident cases, as pedestrians have no protection against the force of vehicle impact.
While settlement calculators can offer a starting point for understanding potential compensation, they should never replace consultation with an experienced pedestrian accident attorney who can properly evaluate the full scope of damages, including future medical costs and diminished quality of life that automated tools cannot assess accurately.
Why Choose GJEL Accident Attorneys for Your Pedestrian Accident Case
GJEL Accident Attorneys has decades of experience representing pedestrian accident victims and their families throughout California. Our legal team understands the unique challenges these cases present and works tirelessly to ensure our clients receive the compensation they deserve.
We provide comprehensive legal services, including thorough accident investigation, expert witness consultation, aggressive negotiation with insurance companies, and skilled courtroom representation when necessary. Our contingency fee structure means you pay no attorney fees unless we successfully recover compensation for your case.
Moving Forward
“This tragic loss of life on Shields Avenue reminds us how quickly a routine evening can turn into unimaginable heartbreak for families. As someone who has represented countless pedestrian accident victims over the years, I know that surviving family members are often left feeling overwhelmed and unsure of their rights during this devastating time. While nothing can bring back your loved one, pursuing legal action can provide your family’s financial security and ensure accountability for what happened. If you’ve lost someone in a pedestrian accident, please know that you don’t have to navigate this difficult journey alone – we’re here to fight for the justice and compensation your family deserves while you focus on healing.” – Andy Gillin, GJEL Accident Attorneys
The loss of life in any pedestrian accident represents a profound tragedy that affects entire communities. While no amount of compensation can restore a lost loved one or undo serious injuries, pursuing legal action can provide financial security for affected families and promote accountability that may prevent future accidents.
If you or someone you know has been affected by a pedestrian accident in Fresno County or anywhere in California, contact GJEL Accident Attorneys today for a free consultation. Our experienced legal team is ready to fight for your rights and help you navigate this difficult time with the support and guidance you deserve.
Compassionate GJEL accident attorneys offer free consultations and charge no fees unless we win your case. Call us at +1 415-986-4777 or visit our Pleasanton office for free legal advice.
Additional Resources and Support
Several local agencies and organizations can provide support and information if you need assistance following a pedestrian accident in Fresno County.
Fresno Police Department
For accidents within Fresno city limits, the Fresno Police Department handles traffic collision investigations and reports.
Contact Information:
- Main Phone: (559) 621-7000
- Non-Emergency Line: (559) 621-7000
- Address: 2323 Madera Street, Fresno, CA 93721
- Website: www.fresno.gov/police
- Traffic Division: (559) 621-2455
Services Available:
- Traffic collision reports
- Accident investigation follow-up
- Traffic safety information
- Victim services referrals
California Highway Patrol (Fresno Area Office)
The CHP handles accidents on state highways and unincorporated areas of Fresno County, including the incident on Shields Avenue.
Contact Information:
- Phone: (559) 262-0400
- Address: 3065 East Shields Avenue, Fresno, CA 93726
- Website: www.chp.ca.gov
- 24-Hour Dispatch: 911 or *CHP (*247)
Services Available:
- Traffic collision reports (Form CHP-555)
- Online report ordering system
- Traffic safety programs
- Accident data and statistics
Fresno County Department of Public Works
For road condition concerns and traffic safety improvements in unincorporated areas.
Contact Information:
- Phone: (559) 600-4259
- Address: 2220 Tulare Street, Suite A, Fresno, CA 93721
- Website: www.fresnocountyca.gov/departments/public-works-planning
City of Fresno Transportation Division
For traffic signal issues, crosswalk concerns, and pedestrian safety improvements within city limits.
Contact Information:
- Phone: (559) 621-8100
- Address: 2600 Fresno Street, Room 3043, Fresno, CA 93721
- Website: www.fresno.gov/transportation
Victim Services and Support
Fresno County Victim Services:
- Phone: (559) 600-3141
- Services: Crisis counseling, financial assistance, legal advocacy
California Victim Compensation Board:
Services: Financial assistance for medical bills, mental health counseling, funeral expenses
Phone: 1-800-777-9229
Website: victims.ca.gov
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.