Pedestrian Injured in Fresno Evening Collision

Pedestrian Seriously Injured in Evening Collision Near Chestnut Avenue and Cesar Chavez Boulevard in Fresno

Overview of the Incident

A pedestrian was hospitalized with significant injuries after being struck by a vehicle in heavy traffic on Tuesday evening, December 9, 2025, near the intersection of Chestnut Avenue and Cesar Chavez Boulevard in Fresno. According to preliminary information from local authorities, the collision occurred shortly after 7:00 p.m., during a period of congested traffic and reduced visibility typical of winter evenings. Responding officers found the man down in the roadway with serious trauma and initiated life-saving measures, including CPR, until paramedics arrived. He was transported to a nearby hospital, where his condition was later described as stable, though he continues to require medical care.

Initial reports indicate the pedestrian was crossing outside of a marked crosswalk when the collision occurred. Investigators are reviewing the sequence of events, including the positions and speeds of the parties involved, lighting and sightlines, traffic flow, and any potential contributing factors such as distraction or impairment. As with any ongoing investigation, conclusions about fault or liability should be reserved until all evidence is collected and analyzed.

Pedestrian Safety and Drivers’ Duty of Care in California

Even when pedestrians cross outside of a marked crosswalk, California law imposes a duty of care on motorists to act reasonably to avoid causing harm. This duty includes:

- Maintaining a safe speed for conditions, especially at night or in congestion.
- Looking ahead for pedestrians who may be crossing between intersections.
- Using headlights appropriately and ensuring windshield and mirrors are clean for visibility.
- Yielding and slowing as necessary, and taking reasonable steps to avoid a collision.
- Stopping at the scene of a crash, rendering aid, and cooperating with law enforcement.

Pedestrians, for their part, must use reasonable care for their own safety. California Vehicle Code section 21954 requires pedestrians crossing outside a crosswalk to yield the right-of-way to vehicles that are close enough to pose an immediate hazard. However, motorists are never relieved of their obligation to exercise due care for pedestrians’ safety—particularly in areas with heavy traffic, limited visibility, or a history of pedestrian activity.

How Fault Is Determined: Comparative Negligence

California follows a comparative negligence system. That means responsibility for a crash can be shared between the parties based on their respective contributions to the incident. If investigators determine that both the pedestrian and the driver made errors—such as crossing mid-block in congested traffic while the driver was traveling too fast for conditions—liability may be divided proportionally. Any compensation would then be adjusted according to that apportionment of fault.

Key elements in assessing liability can include:
- Where the pedestrian began crossing and whether nearby crosswalks or signals were available.
- Whether the pedestrian checked for oncoming traffic and whether they were visible to approaching drivers.
- The driver’s speed and attentiveness, including reaction time and braking.
- Roadway lighting, weather, and line-of-sight obstructions.
- Traffic density and the potential for “multi-threat” scenarios in which one lane stops but an adjacent lane continues moving.

Factors Investigators Often Review

To reconstruct the event, investigators and experts may analyze:
- Physical evidence at the scene: skid marks, debris fields, vehicle resting positions, and lighting conditions.
- Vehicle damage patterns and Event Data Recorder (EDR) information, where available, to assess speed and braking.
- Traffic signal timing, if applicable, and the presence or absence of marked crosswalks.
- Surveillance or dashcam footage from nearby businesses and drivers.
- Statements from the involved driver, the pedestrian (when possible), and eyewitnesses.
- Cell phone records or indications of distraction or impairment.

These elements help form a clearer picture of what occurred and who bears responsibility, in whole or in part.

Common Injuries and the Importance of Timely Medical Care

Pedestrian collisions frequently lead to serious injuries due to the lack of physical protection. Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
- Spinal and neck injuries
- Fractures of the legs, pelvis, ribs, and arms
- Internal injuries and organ damage
- Severe lacerations and soft-tissue trauma

Prompt medical evaluation is critical—even if symptoms seem mild initially. Some injuries, particularly head and internal injuries, may not present immediately. Documenting injuries and following treatment recommendations is also essential for any insurance claim or legal action.

This serious collision near Chestnut Avenue and Cesar Chavez Boulevard highlights how quickly visibility challenges, evening traffic, and driver-pedestrian interactions can result in devastating injuries. As investigators continue gathering evidence, the injured pedestrian and his loved ones may be facing uncertainty, medical decisions, and financial strain.

At Avian Law Group, our thoughts are with the victim and his family as he continues recovery. If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian crash, our team can help you understand your rights, preserve crucial evidence, and pursue the compensation necessary for medical care and long-term support. Contact us for a free and confidential consultation.