Fresno Multi-Vehicle Crash Leaves Several Injured

Multi-Vehicle Collision at Hayes and McKinley in Fresno County Leaves Several InjuredA three-vehicle crash at the intersection of Hayes and McKinley Avenues in Fresno County on the morning of Monday, December 1, 2025, left multiple people injured and sent one woman to the hospital after being ejected from her vehicle. According to preliminary information from the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the crash occurred at approximately 7:30 a.m. and involved a northbound Chevrolet Silverado that had stopped at a stop sign before entering the intersection. The Silverado collided with a westbound minivan, then struck a third vehicle, and ultimately crashed into a power pole. Several individuals were transported to local hospitals. The woman who was ejected sustained injuries that were described as non-life-threatening.Authorities continue to investigate the sequence of events to determine how and why the collision unfolded. As with many intersection crashes, the precise allocation of fault may depend on right-of-way determinations, driver actions immediately before impact, vehicle speeds, visibility at the intersection, and potential contributing factors such as distraction or failure to yield.What We Know So Far- Time and location: Approximately 7:30 a.m., at Hayes and McKinley Avenues in Fresno County.- Vehicles involved: A northbound Chevrolet Silverado, a westbound minivan, and a third vehicle that was struck after the initial impact.- Crash dynamics: CHP reports that the Silverado stopped at a stop sign and then entered the intersection, colliding with the minivan. The force of that impact pushed the Silverado into a third vehicle before the Silverado hit a power pole.- Injuries: A woman was ejected from her vehicle and transported for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. Several others were also taken to nearby hospitals; their conditions have not yet been publicly released.- Ongoing investigation: Officers are examining the collision sequence to determine how the impacts occurred, which parties may have had the right of way, and whether any violations contributed to the crash.Intersection Crashes: Common Risks and Contributing FactorsIntersection collisions are among the most complex and dangerous roadway incidents. Even when one driver comes to a complete stop, misjudgment about oncoming traffic, limited sightlines, and acceleration through the intersection can lead to serious impacts. Contributing factors that investigators commonly evaluate include:- Right-of-way errors: A driver may stop but still fail to yield to cross-traffic that has the right of way.- Obstructed views: Parked vehicles, roadside structures, or vegetation can limit visibility, making it harder to accurately judge gaps.- Speed and timing: Higher speeds reduce reaction time for all drivers and magnify impact forces.- Distraction or inattention: Glancing at a phone, GPS, or dashboard controls for even a moment can be critical at intersections.- Vehicle dynamics: After an initial collision, secondary impacts can occur as vehicles spin, slide, or are propelled into other cars, objects, or infrastructure.- Seat belt use: Ejection from a vehicle dramatically increases the likelihood of serious injury. Investigators typically review seat belt use, though it is often unclear in the early stages of a case.When power poles are struck, first responders must also address hazards like downed lines, potential outages, and traffic control needs. Road closures or detours are common after multi-vehicle collisions to allow for safe investigation and clearing of debris.Understanding Fault and Comparative Negligence in CaliforniaCalifornia follows a comparative negligence system. This means more than one party can share responsibility for a crash, and each party’s compensation may be adjusted according to their percentage of fault. In an intersection collision, potential liability can involve:- The driver who entered the intersection: Investigators may assess whether they failed to yield, misjudged speed, or proceeded unsafely from a stop.- Cross-traffic: If another driver was speeding, distracted, or otherwise negligent, their actions may have contributed to the severity of the crash.- Third-party contributions: A third vehicle’s position or maneuvers can influence the chain of impacts and resulting injuries.- Potential roadway or visibility issues: In limited circumstances, poorly maintained signage or obstructed views could be relevant, which may bring public entities into the analysis. Claims against public entities have special notice requirements and shorter timelines.Because evidence can point to multiple contributing factors, early documentation is important. Police reports, vehicle damage patterns, skid