Fatal Pedestrian Collision on Highway 99 in Fresno

Fatal Pedestrian Collision With Big Rig on Highway 99 Near Clinton Avenue in Fresno

Overview of the Incident

A tragic pedestrian collision occurred late Tuesday night, November 18, 2025, on northbound Highway 99 near Clinton Avenue in Fresno. Preliminary information indicates that a 25-year-old male pedestrian was walking in the northbound lanes at approximately 10:30 p.m. when he was struck by a big rig pulling a trailer. The truck driver, a 21-year-old man, reportedly stopped at the scene and cooperated with authorities. Despite emergency efforts, the pedestrian was pronounced deceased at the scene. The California Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate the circumstances leading up to the collision, and no final determinations regarding fault have been announced.

Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones affected by this devastating event. Fatal freeway incidents are sudden, life-altering, and often raise urgent questions about what happened and what steps families can take next.

Why Freeway Pedestrian Crashes Are So Deadly

Pedestrian collisions on high-speed roadways are among the most severe incidents on California roads. Even at night, large trucks and other vehicles may be traveling at freeway speeds, leaving drivers with little time and space to react to unexpected hazards. Key risk factors include:
- Darkness and reduced visibility: Nighttime conditions can make it difficult for drivers to see pedestrians, especially where lighting is limited.
- Speed differentials: The speed of freeway traffic increases stopping distances dramatically.
- Limited escape routes: Pedestrians on freeways have few safe options to avoid approaching vehicles.
- Driver perception-reaction time: Even attentive drivers need seconds to perceive and respond; at freeway speeds, those seconds translate to hundreds of feet.

Potential Factors Under Investigation in a Big-Rig Versus Pedestrian Collision

In the wake of a fatal crash, investigators typically review a wide range of factors to understand what occurred. While no conclusions have been announced in this incident, common lines of inquiry include:
- Lighting and visibility: Was the area adequately illuminated? What were the lighting and weather conditions at the time?
- Vehicle speed and braking: Event data recorders (sometimes called “black boxes”) in commercial trucks can capture speed, brake application, and throttle position.
- Driver attentiveness and duty hours: Commercial drivers must comply with federal Hours-of-Service regulations designed to prevent fatigue. Investigators often examine logbooks, electronic logging device data, and dispatch records.
- Maintenance and equipment: Headlights, brakes, and other safety systems are critical. Maintenance records can be relevant.
- Dash cameras and witness accounts: Many commercial trucks carry forward-facing and sometimes driver-facing cameras. Traffic cameras, nearby business cameras, and witness statements may provide critical context.
- Pedestrian location and movement: Investigators assess where the pedestrian was on the roadway, the direction of travel, and whether there were any obstructions, debris, or emergency circumstances that might have placed the person on the freeway.

It is important to remember that investigations can take weeks to months. Early assumptions can be incomplete. Families should consider preserving evidence promptly while allowing officials to complete their independent review.

This fatal pedestrian accident in Fresno is a stark reminder of how vulnerable pedestrians remain on our roadways and how devastating the consequences can be when drivers fail to exercise proper caution. A life lost in an instant leaves behind heartbroken loved ones, unanswered questions, and a community mourning a tragedy that should never have happened. As authorities continue their investigation, the victim’s family now faces the overwhelming burden of grief, financial uncertainty, and the difficult journey toward understanding what occurred.

At Avian Law Group, we are committed to supporting families who have lost a loved one in pedestrian collisions. Our team understands the emotional and legal complexities these cases involve—from determining liability to navigating insurance issues and pursuing justice through wrongful death claims. While no legal action can undo such a profound loss, holding negligent parties accountable can provide families with answers, stability, and a path toward healing.

If your family has been affected by a fatal pedestrian crash, Avian Law Group is here to offer experienced representation, compassionate support, and unwavering dedication during this difficult time.