Bus Accident Leaves Man Critically Injured in Fresno, CA

Fresno, CA — A man in his 60s remains in critical condition after a serious pedestrian collision involving a city bus on Sunday afternoon. According to preliminary information, the incident occurred around 12:15 p.m. on Blackstone Avenue near the Gettysburg Avenue area, when the pedestrian reportedly fell into the roadway and was struck by the right rear tires of the bus. First responders treated significant injuries to the upper right side of his body, including a severe arm injury, before transporting him to a local hospital. Law enforcement continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.

While the official investigation is ongoing, this incident underscores the heightened dangers pedestrians face on high-traffic corridors like Blackstone Avenue, where buses, passenger vehicles, and turning traffic converge. Even a momentary lapse in visibility or situational awareness can have life-altering consequences when a pedestrian is involved.

What We Know About the Incident

- Location and time: Early afternoon near Blackstone and Gettysburg, a busy stretch with frequent bus traffic and multiple driveways and intersections.
- Mechanism: The pedestrian reportedly fell into the street and was then struck by the right rear tires of a city bus—an area frequently cited in bus safety literature as a blind spot or “no-zone” risk.
- Injuries: Significant upper body trauma and a severe arm injury. The pedestrian is in critical condition and receiving ongoing care.
- Investigation: Police are reviewing the scene and gathering details. In cases like this, investigators often look at bus telemetry, on-board cameras, driver statements, witness accounts, and roadway conditions.

Potential Liability and Contributing Factors

Pedestrian collisions are rarely attributable to a single cause. Some common contributing factors in bus–pedestrian incidents include:

- Right rear blind spots: Large buses have substantial blind zones, especially around rear tires and during turns or departures from stops.
- Mirror and camera setup: Placement, functionality, and whether equipment was properly maintained can affect visibility.
- Speed and stopping distance: Even at modest speeds, a bus requires a longer distance to stop safely.
- Lighting and glare: Midday sun angles or shadows near tree-lined corridors can impair visibility.
- Roadway design: Bus stops near intersections, multiple lanes, and frequent driveways increase conflict points.
- Pedestrian positioning and fall mechanism: Whether a pedestrian stumbled from a curb, tripped on uneven pavement, or was pushed by crowding can matter in assessing fault.

Special Rules When a Public Bus Is Involved

When a city-owned or publicly operated bus is implicated, claims typically fall under California’s Government Claims Act. That means:

- Short claim deadline: Before filing a lawsuit, you generally must file a government claim within six months of the incident. Missing this administrative deadline can bar recovery, even though the standard statute of limitations for personal injury is two years.
- Notice requirements: The claim must meet specific content and service requirements. Errors can delay or jeopardize a claim.
- Agency preservation: Prompt legal action helps secure preservation of crucial evidence, including bus camera footage, dispatch records, and maintenance logs, which can be overwritten or lost if not timely requested.