Visalia Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Accident Results in Major Injuries

Early Sunday morning, a serious hit-and-run crash left a pedestrian with major injuries at the intersection of Santa Fe Street and Kaweah Avenue in Visalia. According to initial reports, the collision occurred around 2:00 a.m. when a driver struck a pedestrian and fled the scene without stopping to render aid. Emergency responders located the injured person lying in the roadway and transported them to a nearby hospital, where they were listed in critical condition.

As of this writing, additional details about the vehicle, the driver, and the cause of the crash have not been released. The Visalia Police Department is continuing its investigation. Anyone with information about the vehicle’s make, color, damage, direction of travel, or possible dash-cam or home surveillance footage can play a key role in helping investigators identify the responsible party.

Why Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Collisions Are Especially Devastating

Pedestrians are among the most vulnerable road users. Without the protection of a vehicle’s frame, even low-speed impacts can cause catastrophic harm, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal damage, internal bleeding, fractures, and long-term mobility limitations. Nighttime crashes, like this one occurring around 2:00 a.m., are particularly dangerous due to reduced visibility, fewer witnesses, and a heightened risk of impairment or fatigue among drivers.

Hit-and-run incidents compound the harm. When a driver flees, precious minutes can be lost before 911 is called, potentially worsening outcomes. Legally, leaving the scene of a collision that causes injury is a serious crime in California, and it can also strengthen the civil case against the at-fault driver once identified.

What California Law Says About Hit-and-Run and Pedestrian Right-of-Way

- Duty to stop and render aid: California law requires drivers involved in injury collisions to stop, provide identifying information, and render reasonable assistance. Failure to do so can lead to criminal charges.
- Pedestrian right-of-way: Drivers must yield to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks at intersections. Even outside a crosswalk, motorists must exercise due care to avoid collisions when a pedestrian is visible and in the roadway.
- Comparative negligence: California follows pure comparative negligence. Even if a pedestrian is found partially at fault (for example, crossing mid-block or outside of a crosswalk), they can still recover damages, reduced by their percentage of responsibility.
- Punitive damages: In civil cases, punitive damages may be available when the defendant’s conduct demonstrates malice or a conscious disregard for safety—for instance, in cases involving intoxication or egregious flight from the scene.

Common Causes and Contributing Factors in Nighttime Pedestrian Crashes

While the specific cause in this Visalia collision is still under investigation, many late-night pedestrian crashes involve:
- Impaired driving due to alcohol or drugs
- Speeding or failure to slow at intersections
- Distracted driving (texting, using apps, or in-car systems)
- Poor visibility, inadequate lighting, or dark clothing
- Failure to yield at crosswalks or rolling stops
- Fatigue, especially during early morning hours

If you or a loved one has fallen victim to a hit-and-run accident, please do not hesitate to contact Avian Law Group for assistance. We have handled thousands of caes similar, and will fight for your rights.