Toddler Injured in Clovis DUI Parking Lot Crash

Toddler Injured in Suspected DUI Collision at Clovis Trader Joe’s Parking Lot; Legal Rights and Safety Considerations

Incident Overview

On Saturday, January 3, 2026, a toddler was struck by a pickup truck in a parking lot near the Trader Joe’s at Willow and Nees avenues in Clovis, California. Police responded at approximately 2:20 PM after reports that a child had been run over. According to authorities, the toddler was awake and alert when responders arrived and sustained moderate injuries. The child was transported to a local hospital and was reported to be in stable condition.

Investigators also reported that the child’s mother was struck during the incident. She was evaluated at the scene and did not suffer injuries. The driver was identified by police as a 62-year-old man from Prather who remained at the scene. He was later arrested on suspicion of felony driving under the influence. Officers closed off a portion of the parking lot to document the scene, collect evidence, and interview witnesses as part of the ongoing investigation.

Parking Lot Collisions and Pedestrian Safety

Parking lots are complex environments with frequent pedestrian and vehicle interactions, low travel speeds, and numerous potential visual obstructions. Children are particularly vulnerable in these spaces due to their small stature, limited visibility from a driver’s perspective, and unpredictable movements. Larger vehicles like pickups and SUVs can create significant front and rear blind zones, increasing the risk of low-speed collisions involving children.

Common contributing factors in parking lot crashes include:
- Driver impairment, distraction, or fatigue
- Failure to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks or in pedestrian pathways
- Inadequate lookout when backing or moving through aisles
- Poor lighting, confusing traffic flow, or obstructed sight lines
- Speeding in areas where pedestrians are present

While the cause of this incident remains under investigation, it underscores the importance of driver vigilance, especially in areas where families and young children are present.

California DUI Law and Potential Criminal Charges

California Vehicle Code section 23153(a) makes it unlawful to operate a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs and, as a result, cause bodily injury to another person. When a DUI collision results in injury, prosecutors may file felony charges. Potential penalties can include incarceration, fines, license suspension, mandatory DUI education programs, and restitution orders to compensate victims for medical and related costs.

Criminal proceedings focus on penalizing unlawful behavior and promoting public safety. Separately, injured victims and their families have the right to pursue civil claims to obtain compensation for the full scope of their losses, which often extend beyond what a criminal court’s restitution order provides.

Civil Liability and the Duty of Care to Pedestrians

All motorists owe a duty of care to operate their vehicles safely and to be alert for pedestrians. This duty is heightened in parking lots, where foot traffic is expected and children may be present. In civil claims arising from an injury crash, the following may be considered:
- Negligence: Whether the driver failed to use reasonable care under the circumstances
- Impairment: Evidence of alcohol or drug influence, if any
- Speed and lookout: Whether the driver was moving too fast for conditions or failed to maintain a proper lookout
- Right-of-way: Compliance with posted signs, crosswalks, and pedestrian right-of-way rules
- Vehicle design or visibility: The role of blind spots and any available driver-assist technology

For young children, California law recognizes that minors cannot be held to the same standard as adults. A toddler’s conduct is not assessed under adult “reasonableness,” which typically directs responsibility toward drivers and other adults to maintain safe conditions and to anticipate the presence of children.

Potential Claims and Compensation

In a pedestrian injury case, recoverable damages may include:
- Medical expenses: Emergency care, hospitalization, follow-up treatment, rehabilitation, and future medical needs
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life
- Long-term care: Costs related to ongoing therapy, adaptive equipment, or specialized care if needed
- Loss of earnings for caregivers: Documented income losses if a parent or guardian must miss work to care for an injured child
- Property damage: Items such as strollers, clothing, or personal devices damaged in the incident

When a child is injured, parents are suddenly faced with medical decisions, emotional stress, and uncertainty about what comes next. Understanding your options early can make a meaningful difference in protecting your child’s health and your family’s financial stability.

At Avian Law Group, we guide families through child-injury cases with clarity, compassion, and care. If you need help understanding your rights after this Clovis parking lot collision, our team is here to support you every step of the way.