Author: Andy Gillin May 1, 2025

A two-vehicle collision on Highway 99 in Fresno County resulted in one driver suffering moderate to major injuries on Tuesday evening. The crash, a collision between two pickup trucks that occurred near Manning Avenue, has prompted an investigation by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) with suspicion that impaired driving may have been a contributing factor.

Two-Vehicle Collision on Highway 99 Leads to Serious Injuries 1

Crash Details and Timeline

On Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at approximately 8:30 p.m., a serious collision occurred on the northbound lanes of Highway 99 at Manning Avenue in Fresno County.

According to CHP reports, a Chevrolet Colorado pickup truck was stationary in the middle lane of the highway with its lights off when it was struck by a Dodge Ram traveling in the same lane.

The Dodge Ram driver reportedly could not avoid colliding with the unlit Chevrolet Colorado, which was inexplicably stopped in an active traffic lane.

Injuries and Medical Response

The collision resulted in significant injuries to one individual. The driver of the Chevrolet Colorado, who authorities confirmed was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, sustained moderate to major injuries. Emergency medical services responded to the scene, and the injured driver was airlifted to a local hospital for urgent medical treatment.

As of the latest update, the Chevrolet driver’s current medical condition remains unknown. CHP officials said the Dodge Ram driver escaped the collision without reported injuries.

When accidents result in moderate to significant injuries, the first few hours of medical care are often critical to recovery outcomes. Trauma specialists note that the “golden hour” following a serious collision is vital for addressing internal injuries, which may not be immediately visible.

In cases like the Highway 99 crash, where airlift transportation was necessary, patients typically receive stabilizing care from first responders before being transported to trauma centers with specialized equipment and medical personnel. The severity of the injuries underscores the importance of both emergency response protocols and proper safety precautions while driving.

Investigation Underway

California Highway Patrol officers are thoroughly investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash. Preliminary reports indicate that driving under the influence (DUI) may have been a factor in the collision, though the investigation remains active and ongoing.

Authorities have not yet released additional details about which driver may have been impaired or what evidence led to the DUI suspicion. Investigators are gathering evidence from the crash scene, including vehicle damage patterns, skid marks, and potential video footage from nearby traffic cameras.

CHP officers have likely conducted field sobriety tests and may have obtained blood samples to determine precise blood alcohol content levels. Accident reconstruction specialists could be called in to analyze the collision dynamics and establish the exact sequence of events leading up to the impact.

These thorough investigative procedures are standard protocol in crashes involving suspected impairment and serious injuries, as they provide crucial evidence for both criminal proceedings and potential civil litigation that may follow.

Highway Safety Concerns

This incident highlights several critical highway safety concerns, including:

  • The dangers of stopping on active highway lanes
  • The importance of using vehicle lights during nighttime driving
  • The vital role of seatbelt use in preventing or reducing injuries
  • The potentially catastrophic consequences of impaired driving

Highway 99, one of California’s major north-south corridors, has historically been identified as one of the state’s more dangerous highways. High traffic volume, varying speeds, and limited visibility during nighttime hours create particularly hazardous conditions.

Safety experts emphasize that drivers should maintain heightened awareness on busy thoroughfares, especially during evening hours when depth perception and reaction times are naturally compromised. This incident serves as a sobering reminder that momentary lapses in judgment—whether stopping in active lanes, driving without proper illumination, neglecting seatbelts, or operating a vehicle while impaired—can lead to life-altering consequences in high-speed highway environments.

Legal Implications in Highway Collisions

Crashes involving potential impairment, improper highway stopping, or failure to use safety equipment often have significant legal consequences.

In California, drivers who stop on highways without emergency flashers or proper lighting can be held liable for resulting collisions. Additionally, if DUI is confirmed as a factor, the impaired driver could face both criminal charges and civil liability for damages caused.

In multi-vehicle collisions like this Highway 99 incident, determining fault often involves complex legal analysis of California’s comparative negligence laws. While the driver improperly stopped without lights bears significant responsibility, other factors may influence liability distribution, including potential impairment, speed considerations, and reaction time expectations under nighttime conditions.

If impairment is confirmed, the legal ramifications extend beyond traffic citations to potential felony DUI charges, especially with serious injuries involved. Additionally, insurance companies will likely conduct their investigations, potentially contesting claims and coverage limits.

These legal complexities highlight why accident victims often benefit from dedicated legal representation to navigate the intricate intersection of criminal, administrative, and civil proceedings that typically follow serious highway collisions.

Seeking Legal Assistance After Highway Collisions

If you’ve been involved in a similar highway collision, understanding your legal rights and options is essential. Crashes involving potential impairment, improper stopping, or other traffic violations can create complex liability questions that may affect insurance claims and compensation for injuries.

Consulting with an experienced accident attorney can help clarify liability issues and ensure injured parties receive appropriate compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages resulting from highway collisions.

The investigation into this Highway 99 collision continues as authorities work to determine the full circumstances and exact causes of the crash.

Time is often a critical factor following highway collisions, with California’s statute of limitations generally allowing just two years to file personal injury claims. An experienced accident attorney can help victims navigate these time constraints while preserving crucial evidence that might otherwise disappear.

Legal professionals specializing in highway collisions can also identify all potential sources of compensation beyond the obvious at-fault driver, including claims against vehicle manufacturers for defects, government entities for roadway design flaws, or even employers if the collision involved a work-related trip.

Additionally, skilled negotiators can often secure more comprehensive settlements that account for future medical needs, diminished earning capacity, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering—considerations that accident victims might overlook when dealing directly with insurance adjusters.

Catastrophic Injury Settlement Calculator: Computing Fair Compensation

A catastrophic injury settlement calculator is a valuable preliminary tool for victims and their attorneys to estimate potential compensation values following severe accidents like the Highway 99 collision.

These specialized calculators incorporate critical factors, including medical expenses (current and projected future costs), rehabilitation requirements, lost income and earning capacity, home modification needs, ongoing care costs, and appropriate multipliers for pain and suffering based on injury severity.

Unlike basic calculators, comprehensive versions account for regional settlement trends in Fresno County and similar jurisdictions, economic factors like inflation and medical cost escalation, and case-specific elements like liability distribution.

While these tools provide helpful benchmarks, experienced personal injury attorneys typically combine calculator outputs with their professional judgment and case precedent knowledge to establish fair settlement targets that fully address a catastrophic injury’s lifelong impact.

This objective starting point often strengthens negotiating positions and helps prevent premature claims settlement for less than their actual value. Call us now at +1 415-986-4777 to talk to the experts.

Moving Forward

“As someone who has represented accident victims for over 40 years, I understand that being injured in a collision like this Highway 99 crash can leave you feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about your future. Your current focus should be on healing, not wrestling with insurance companies who may not have your best interests at heart. If you or a loved one were injured in this accident, please know that you don’t have to navigate this difficult journey alone. Seeking proper legal guidance early can protect your rights and ensure you receive the full compensation needed for your recovery. Remember, initial consultations are free; you pay nothing unless we win your case. Your wellbeing matters, and we’re here to help shoulder this burden while you concentrate on what’s most important—your health and recovery.”- Andy Gillin, GJEL Accident Attorney

If you or a loved one suffered injuries in this Highway 99 collision or a similar accident, don’t face the legal challenges alone. At GJEL Accident Attorneys, our experienced Fresno County team offers free, no-obligation consultations to discuss your case and explain your options.

Our proven track record of securing maximum compensation for crash victims speaks for itself, with over $950 million recovered for our clients. We handle all aspects of your claim—from investigating the accident and documenting injuries to negotiating with insurance companies and representing you in court if necessary—all while you focus on recovery.

Remember, you pay absolutely nothing unless we win your case. Don’t let insurance companies minimize your suffering or undervalue your claim. Contact GJEL Accident Attorneys today at +1 415-986-4777 or visit the Richmond office to take the first step toward the justice and compensation you deserve.

Resources and Important Contacts

Law Enforcement and Accident Investigation

California Highway Patrol (CHP) – Fresno Area Office

  • Primary Agency: Investigating this Highway 99/Manning Avenue collision
  • Address: 5179 N. Gates Avenue, Fresno, CA 93722
  • Emergency: 911
  • Non-Emergency Phone: (559) 705-2200
  • Hours of Operation: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
  • Website: www.chp.ca.gov/find-an-office/central-division/offices/(203)-fresno
  • Services: Accident reports, witness statements, traffic collision investigations, community education programs

Fresno Police Department – Traffic Bureau

Traffic Information and Road Conditions

Caltrans District 6 (Central California)

  • Headquarters: 1352 West Olive Avenue, Fresno, CA 93728
  • Phone: (559) 444-2409
  • Traffic Conditions Hotline: 1-800-427-7623
  • Website: dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-6
  • Social Media: Twitter @CaltransDist6
  • QuickMap: quickmap.dot.ca.gov (real-time traffic conditions)
  • Services: Highway maintenance, construction updates, real-time traffic information, road closures

Fresno County Department of Public Works and Planning – Road Maintenance Division

Medical Resources

Community Regional Medical Center – Level 1 Trauma Center

American Medical Response (AMR) – Fresno County

  • Address: 2550 West Shaw Avenue, Fresno, CA 93711
  • Emergency: 911
  • Non-Emergency: (559) 443-5900
  • Website: www.amr.net/home/fresno
  • Services: Emergency medical transport, ambulance services

Crash Data and Analysis

UC Berkeley SafeTREC – Transportation Injury Mapping System (TIMS)

California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) – Fresno County Data

Victim Support and Legal Assistance

Fresno County Victim Services

GJEL Accident Attorneys – Fresno Office

  • Address: 516 W. Shaw Avenue, Suite 200, Fresno, CA 93704
  • Phone: (559) 354-6344
  • 24/7 Helpline: 1-866-218-3776
  • Website: www.gjel.com/fresno
  • Email: info@gjel.com
  • Free Consultation: Available 24/7
  • Services: Personal injury representation, accident investigation, insurance negotiations, trial advocacy

Additional Resources

California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) – Fresno Office

  • Address: 655 W. Olive Avenue, Fresno, CA 93728
  • Phone: 1-800-777-0133
  • Website: www.dmv.ca.gov
  • Services: Driver’s license status, vehicle registration, accident reporting requirements

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) – Central California

  • Address: 4773 E. Olive Avenue, Fresno, CA 93702
  • Phone: (559) 999-1153
  • 24/7 Victim Helpline: 1-877-MADD-HELP
  • Website: www.madd.org/location/ca-central-california
  • Services: Victim support for DUI crashes, advocacy, education programs
Author Photo

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.