Early-Morning Crash in Fresno Injures Two Women

Two Women Injured in Early-Morning Crash at Dakota and West Avenues in Fresno

Overview

In the early morning hours of Thursday, November 13, 2025, two women were hospitalized following a two-vehicle collision at the intersection of Dakota Avenue and West Avenue in Fresno. According to preliminary information from Fresno Police, the crash occurred around 3:00 a.m. and resulted in significant damage to both vehicles. Emergency responders treated both drivers at the scene before transporting them to a nearby hospital for additional evaluation and care. As of this writing, their conditions have not been publicly released.

Initial Findings and Ongoing Investigation

Investigators indicated that one of the vehicles may have entered the intersection against a red light, leading to a substantial impact within the intersection. However, authorities have not confirmed which driver may have run the light, and it has not yet been determined whether impairment, distraction, fatigue, or speed were contributing factors. Temporary lane closures were put in place so officers could conduct their investigation, document the scene, and remove debris to restore traffic flow.

Collisions that occur during overnight hours often present unique challenges for investigators. Reduced visibility, lighter traffic that can encourage higher speeds, and driver fatigue can all play a role. In a case like this, law enforcement typically reviews multiple sources of evidence to understand how the collision unfolded.

How Intersection Crash Investigations Typically Proceed

To determine fault and contributing factors in a signalized intersection crash, investigators commonly consider:

- Signal phase and timing: Whether the light was green, yellow, or red for each direction and whether any protected turn arrows were in place.
- Skid marks, yaw marks, and debris fields: These help reconstruct pre-impact speed, braking, and vehicle trajectories.
- Vehicle event data recorders (EDRs): Many vehicles store crash-related information such as speed, throttle, and braking in the seconds before impact.
- Witness statements: Independent accounts can corroborate timelines and traffic signal status.
- Surveillance video: Nearby businesses, residences, buses, or traffic cameras may capture crucial footage, often overwritten within days.
- Driver condition: Officers may look for signs of impairment or fatigue and assess distraction factors such as phone use.
- Roadway and environmental factors: Lighting, weather, sightlines, and the visibility of traffic signals and pavement markings.

If a potentially dangerous roadway condition contributed to a crash—such as obstructed signal visibility, malfunctioning lights, or faded lane markings—claims involving public entities can come into play. Under California’s Government Claims Act, special notice requirements apply, and deadlines can be as short as six months, so potential roadway-condition issues should be investigated promptly.

Common Injuries and Medical Considerations After High-Impact Collisions

Even when seatbelts and airbags deploy, intersection collisions often generate lateral forces that can cause significant injury. Common injuries include:

- Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries
- Neck and back injuries, including whiplash and disc herniations
- Fractures to the wrists, ribs, hips, or legs from bracing or intrusion
- Internal injuries and soft-tissue damage
- Psychological effects such as anxiety or post-traumatic stress

Medical evaluation soon after a crash is critical, even if symptoms seem mild at first. Some conditions, including certain head and internal injuries, may not become fully symptomatic for hours or days. Following prescribed treatment, keeping all follow-up appointments, and documenting symptoms can protect both health and any future insurance claim.

As authorities continue to investigate the cause of this two-vehicle collision, the full impact on the two women injured in the crash is still becoming clear. Even seemingly routine roadway interactions can turn dangerous in an instant, leaving victims facing painful injuries, unexpected medical expenses, and the emotional toll that follows a violent collision. Multi-vehicle crashes often raise complex questions about driver negligence, speed, distraction, or failure to yield—issues that investigators will be examining closely in the days ahead.

Avian Law Group extends its support to the women and their families as they navigate the uncertainty of the recovery process. Our team understands the physical and financial challenges victims face after a sudden crash, and we remain committed to ensuring they receive the guidance, advocacy, and protection they deserve.

As the investigation continues to unfold, Avian Law Group will monitor developments closely and stand ready to help the injured pursue justice and accountability. No one should suffer due to another driver’s carelessness, and our firm remains dedicated to fighting for the rights of those harmed on California’s roadways.