Fresno Pedestrian Fatality: Jose Antonio Identified

UPDATE: Jose Antonio, 53, Identified in Fatal Pedestrian Collision at Clinton and Brawley in Fresno

Overview

Avian Law Group extends our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Jose Antonio, 53, who tragically lost his life in a pedestrian collision on Monday evening, December 8, 2025. According to local authorities, the crash took place at approximately 7:20 PM at the intersection of Clinton and Brawley Avenues in Fresno. Police indicate that Mr. Antonio stepped off the sidewalk and entered the roadway when he was struck by a northbound vehicle. Emergency responders attempted life-saving measures at the scene but were unable to reverse his injuries. The driver remained at the scene, cooperated with investigators, and showed no signs of impairment. The investigation remains ongoing as officials work to determine the sequence of events and contributing factors.

While authorities continue their work, families often need guidance on what comes next: understanding liability, preserving evidence, navigating insurance, and pursuing damages through a wrongful death claim. The information below is intended to help Fresno families understand the legal and practical steps commonly involved after a serious pedestrian crash.

What We Know About the Collision

- Time and place: Around 7:20 PM on Monday, December 8, 2025, at Clinton and Brawley Avenues in Fresno.
- Parties involved: A pedestrian, identified as 53-year-old Jose Antonio, and a northbound motorist.
- Initial police statements: Authorities report the pedestrian left the sidewalk and moved into the roadway. The driver stayed on scene, cooperated fully, and showed no signs of impairment.
- Status of investigation: Ongoing. Collision reconstruction, witness interviews, and any available video or vehicle data may help determine the complete cause.

Even when early reports suggest a pedestrian entered the roadway, California law requires a thorough analysis of the circumstances leading up to the collision. Visibility, vehicle speed, lighting conditions, road design, and driver reactions are all relevant to determining fault.

Pedestrian Safety and Common Risk Factors

Many pedestrian collisions occur during low-light conditions, particularly during evening hours when visibility is reduced. Contributing factors may include:
- Insufficient street lighting or obscured sightlines
- Driver distraction or inattention
- Excessive speed or failure to yield
- Dark clothing that reduces pedestrian visibility
- Weather conditions or glare
- Roadway design issues, such as long crossing distances or limited crossing infrastructure

A complete investigation will consider whether any of these factors played a role, as well as the actions of both the pedestrian and the driver moments before impact.

Duty of Care and California Law

All motorists in California owe a duty of care to others on the road, including pedestrians. This duty includes:
- Maintaining a safe speed for conditions
- Remaining attentive and avoiding distractions
- Yielding to pedestrians in marked crosswalks and, in many circumstances, unmarked crosswalks at intersections
- Taking reasonable steps to avoid a collision when a hazard is perceived or should be perceived

California law does not give pedestrians the right-of-way in every scenario. For example, crossing outside a crosswalk can affect liability. However, motorists are never fully relieved of their responsibility to exercise caution and take reasonable steps to prevent harm. Determining liability often means looking at both parties’ actions and the surrounding conditions.

Comparative Fault and Partial Liability

California follows a system of pure comparative negligence. This means:
- Fault can be shared among multiple parties.
- A pedestrian’s recovery may be reduced by their percentage of fault.
- A driver who is partially at fault can still be financially responsible for their share of the damages.
- Other entities, such as a municipality or property owner, may share liability if dangerous roadway conditions or poor maintenance contributed to the collision.

An experienced attorney can help families evaluate whether multiple parties may bear responsibility and how to apportion fault based on the evidence.

Wrongful Death Claims After a Pedestrian Fatality

When a family loses a loved one in a traffic collision, they may pursue a wrongful death claim. Potential damages can include:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of financial support the deceased would have provided
- Loss of companionship, care, guidance, and support
- Medical expenses if the victim received treatment before passing
- Other applicable economic and non-economic losses

In California, the statute of limitations for most wrongful death claims is generally two years from the date of death. If a government entity may be involved (for example, due to roadway design or maintenance issues), special claim procedures and shorter deadlines—often six months to present a government claim—may apply. It is important to consult an attorney promptly to protect your rights.

Insurance Considerations and Uninsured/Underinsured Coverage

If an at-fault driver is identified, their liability insurance is typically the primary source of compensation. If a driver flees or lacks sufficient insurance:
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage on a family member’s policy may provide compensation.
- Other coverages, such as medical payments (MedPay), may help with certain expenses.
- If a defective vehicle component contributed, a product liability claim may be possible.

An attorney can review available policies, coordinate benefits, and negotiate with insurers to seek the maximum available recovery.

Gathering Evidence and Preserving Your Claim

Early action can make a substantial difference in the outcome of a claim. Steps that may help include:
- Requesting the police collision report from the Fresno Police Department once available
- Identifying and interviewing witnesses while memories are fresh
- Preserving any available video evidence (nearby businesses, residences, traffic cameras, and dashcams)
- Documenting conditions at the scene, including lighting, signage, and roadway markings
- Securing vehicle data, such as Event Data Recorder (EDR) information, when applicable
- Keeping records of all expenses, including funeral costs and any medical bills

Attorneys often work with experts—such as accident reconstructionists, human factors specialists, and economists—to analyze fault and quantify losses.

Steps to Take After a Serious Collision

- Seek medical and emotional support: Families should prioritize their well-being. Grief counseling, support groups, and community resources can be invaluable.
- Avoid early settlements: Insurers may contact families quickly. Before accepting any offer or signing documents, consult an attorney to understand your rights and the full value of your claim.
- Track deadlines: Missing a legal deadline can jeopardize a claim. An attorney can help ensure all filings are timely.
- Consider a comprehensive approach: Explore all potential sources of compensation, including third-party liability and applicable insurance coverages

While the investigation remains active, Jose Antonio’s family must cope with sudden loss, financial strain, and the emotional weight of unanswered questions. Understanding how the legal process works—and what steps families can take now—can provide a sense of stability during an incredibly difficult time.

At Avian Law Group, we are committed to helping families navigate the aftermath with compassion and clarity. If you need help understanding your rights or the next steps after a fatal pedestrian collision, our team is here to support you every step of the way.