Fatal Fresno Pedestrian Crash: Rights & Investigations

Fatal Pedestrian Crash Near Blackstone and Clinton in Fresno: What We Know and How Families Can Protect Their Rights

On Sunday evening, October 12, 2025, a pedestrian in his 60s was struck and killed by a vehicle while crossing Blackstone Avenue just south of Clinton Avenue in Fresno. According to initial police reports, the collision occurred around 7:00 PM in the northbound lanes of Blackstone. The pedestrian, who was reportedly crossing eastbound outside a marked crosswalk, entered traffic and was hit by an oncoming SUV. Officers rendered aid at the scene, but the man tragically succumbed to his injuries shortly after. His identity has not yet been released pending notification of next of kin.

Authorities indicate that the driver of the SUV remained on scene and cooperated with investigators. Early indications are that alcohol and drugs are not suspected in the crash. The investigation remains ongoing, and additional details may emerge as traffic investigators review physical evidence, speak with witnesses, and analyze any available video footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras.


Location, Timing, and Contributing Conditions

Blackstone Avenue is one of Fresno’s busiest commercial corridors, with multiple lanes of traffic and frequent vehicle and pedestrian activity. Around 7:00 PM in mid-October, natural light is fading, and conditions can be challenging for both drivers and pedestrians. Low-light or dusk conditions may reduce visibility, making it harder to judge distance and speed. While it is too early to draw conclusions about this specific crash beyond what authorities have reported, factors that commonly play a role in evening collisions include reduced visibility, headlight glare, dark clothing, and driver distraction.

Even when crossing outside of a marked crosswalk, pedestrians and drivers share responsibilities under California law. Pedestrians are required to yield to vehicles when crossing at locations other than crosswalks or intersections. At the same time, drivers must exercise due care to avoid collisions with pedestrians, including by reducing speed when necessary and remaining vigilant for people crossing the roadway.


Understanding California Law on Pedestrian Right-of-Way

California Vehicle Code sections related to pedestrian safety underscore shared responsibility:

- Pedestrians outside a crosswalk: Pedestrians must yield the right-of-way to vehicles when crossing outside a marked or unmarked crosswalk at an intersection. However, drivers still owe a duty of due care at all times.
- Driver duty of care: Even when a pedestrian is outside a crosswalk, drivers must use reasonable care to avoid a collision, maintain a proper lookout, and slow down when hazards are present.
- Crosswalks and intersections: When a pedestrian is in a crosswalk, drivers must yield and take all measures to avoid endangering the pedestrian, including stopping as needed.

The law recognizes that multiple factors may contribute to a crash. A thorough investigation often examines whether each party met their respective duties given the circumstances, lighting, speed, traffic volume, and roadway design.


What a Thorough Investigation Can Reveal

Early crash summaries can be incomplete. A comprehensive investigation may explore:

- Scene evidence: Skid marks, vehicle damage, final rest positions, debris fields, and roadway friction.
- Video and data: Surveillance footage from businesses along Blackstone, traffic camera feeds, dashcams, and vehicle event data recorders (EDRs).
- Visibility analysis: Street lighting adequacy, functioning of headlights and taillights, weather conditions, and clothing visibility.
- Speed and reaction time: Estimated vehicle speed, driver line-of-sight, and time-distance calculations.
- Roadway design and maintenance: Signage, crosswalk placement, timing of pedestrian signals nearby, lane markings, and whether lighting or other conditions created an unreasonable hazard.
- Witness testimony: Consistent or conflicting accounts of the pedestrian’s position and movement, traffic flow, and driver behavior.

If your loved one has fallen victim to a fatal pedestrian accident, we are equipped with years of knowledge and experience to help you through this difficult time. Please don't hestitate to reach out to Avian Law Group for legal guidance.