Big Rig Hit Fatality on Highway 99 in Fresno

Big Rig Crash Kills Pedestrian on Highway 99 Near Clinton Avenue in Fresno

Overview of the Incident

On Tuesday evening, November 18, 2025, a 25-year-old man was fatally struck by a big rig on northbound Highway 99 just south of Clinton Avenue in Fresno. According to preliminary reports from the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the collision occurred around 10:30 PM after multiple callers reported a pedestrian in active traffic lanes. Witnesses described the individual moving between lanes, lying near the center divide at times, and prompting several drivers to swerve to avoid him. Emergency responders arrived shortly after the crash and confirmed that the pedestrian died at the scene.

Authorities reported that the truck driver stopped immediately and cooperated with the investigation. CHP officials indicated there were no signs the driver was impaired, and no additional injuries were reported. Northbound Highway 99 was closed for several hours overnight as officers secured the scene, coordinated with fire crews, and worked with Caltrans to manage traffic control and detours. The freeway lanes reopened after investigators completed their on-site work and the area was cleared.

The circumstances that led the pedestrian to be in the roadway remain under review. Officials are examining available evidence, including dispatch logs, witness accounts, and scene documentation, to determine the sequence of events that culminated in this tragic outcome.

Ongoing Investigation and What Typically Gets Reviewed

In a fatal freeway collision involving a pedestrian and a commercial truck, investigators typically examine a wide range of evidence to build a complete timeline:

- 911 and dispatch logs to understand when reports were made and how traffic conditions evolved prior to impact.
- Witness statements from motorists who swerved or observed the pedestrian’s movements.
- Scene measurements, skid marks, debris fields, and vehicle resting positions.
- Vehicle data from the truck’s electronic control module (ECM) or event data recorder (often referred to as the “black box”) that may record speed, braking, throttle position, and fault codes.
- Hours-of-service and electronic logging device (ELD) records for the truck driver, which can shed light on potential fatigue issues.
- In-cab and exterior dashcam footage, if available, from the truck or passing vehicles.
- Roadway and infrastructure factors, including lighting conditions, signage, sight lines, and any construction or lane closures.
- Weather and visibility at the time of the collision.
- Communications and coordination records among responding agencies.

These elements help determine whether the crash was avoidable, whether any party failed to meet legal duties of care, and whether outside factors (such as road design or disabled lighting) contributed to the risk.

Partial Liability and California’s Comparative Fault Rules

California does not grant pedestrians the right-of-way in all circumstances, particularly when a person is outside a crosswalk or is present in freeway travel lanes where pedestrians are typically prohibited. However, drivers—even professional commercial drivers—must exercise reasonable care to avoid collisions and reduce hazards when they become aware of a person on or near the roadway. California’s comparative negligence system allows fault to be apportioned among multiple parties. That means more than one party can share responsibility for a collision, and each party’s financial liability is scaled to their percentage of fault.

In a pedestrian-truck collision, potential questions may include whether the driver maintained a safe speed for conditions, whether headlights and vehicle safety equipment were functioning properly, whether the trucking company’s safety policies were followed, and whether the roadway environment contributed to the crash. Even if a pedestrian is found to have violated traffic laws or created a hazard, a driver or other entity can still be assigned a portion of fault if they failed to take reasonable steps to avoid harm once the hazard became visible or foreseeable.

Potential Claims After a Fatal Pedestrian Collision

If investigations identify negligence, certain legal pathways may be available to surviving family members:

- Wrongful death claim by eligible heirs (such as a spouse, domestic partner, children, or, in some cases, other dependents or next of kin).
- Survival action on behalf of the decedent’s estate for damages incurred between the injury and death.
- Claims against multiple potentially responsible parties, which may include the truck driver, the motor carrier, maintenance contractors, freight brokers, or, in some circumstances, public entities responsible for roadway design, lighting, or traffic control.

Available damages may include funeral and burial costs, loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and other economic and noneconomic losses recognized under California law.

This tragic fatality on Highway 99 serves as a sobering reminder of how dangerous California’s major freeways can become when unexpected hazards appear in active lanes. While investigators continue working to determine why the pedestrian was in the roadway and whether any additional factors contributed to the crash, a young man’s life has been lost, leaving loved ones searching for answers and a community shaken by the circumstances of this devastating event. Even when a commercial driver acts responsibly and cooperates fully—as initial reports indicate in this case—the aftermath of a fatal collision is complex, painful, and often filled with uncertainty.

At Avian Law Group, we understand that families facing a loss of this magnitude need clarity, guidance, and support. Fatal freeway collisions often involve intricate questions about liability, roadway conditions, driver conduct, and the responsibilities of commercial carriers. Our team is committed to conducting thorough investigations, identifying all potentially responsible parties, and helping families pursue justice under California’s comparative negligence laws. While no legal action can undo the tragedy, it can provide grieving families with answers, accountability, and financial stability as they begin the long process of healing.

If your family has been affected by a fatal pedestrian or commercial truck collision, Avian Law Group is here to stand with you—offering experienced representation, compassionate support, and unwavering dedication every step of the way.