What happened
- July 23, 2026 — near Chestnut and Turner in East Central Fresno — a pedestrian was struck by a vehicle late at night.
- A man in his 60s was taken to the hospital with serious injuries.
- The driver stayed at the scene and called police (no hit-and-run). Fresno PD is investigating.
Source: ABC30 Action News. Details reflect initial reporting and may change as the investigation continues.
A pedestrian struck by a car almost always suffers serious injuries — there’s simply nothing to absorb the impact. We hope the man injured here makes a full recovery. Because Fresno sees a steady number of pedestrian collisions, here’s how California law protects people hurt while on foot, and what to know if it happens to you or someone you love.
Your rights as an injured pedestrian in California
Drivers owe pedestrians a high duty of care, and an injured pedestrian can generally pursue a claim against the driver’s insurance for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. Because pedestrian injuries are often severe — fractures, head injuries, long rehabilitation — a claim should account for future care, not just the first ER visit.
One point matters a lot in cases like this: even when police are looking into why a pedestrian was in the roadway, being partly at fault does not end your claim in California. Under the state’s pure comparative negligence rule, your compensation is reduced by your share of fault but never eliminated — so a pedestrian found, say, 30% at fault can still recover 70% of their damages. Don’t assume you have no case just because the circumstances are being questioned.
If the pedestrian’s own auto policy includes uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, that can also apply to a pedestrian injury — a detail many people don’t realize they can use.
What to do after a pedestrian crash
- Get complete medical care and follow through. Some injuries (especially head trauma) worsen over days — and consistent treatment records protect both your health and your claim.
- Get the police report. Fresno PD’s investigation and report are key evidence; request a copy once it’s ready.
- Preserve evidence. Photos of the intersection, lighting, crosswalk markings, and any nearby cameras can matter enormously.
- Be cautious with insurers and get advice before giving a recorded statement or accepting an offer.
Don’t let “the pedestrian was in the road” close the door. Comparative negligence means partial fault only reduces a claim — it doesn’t erase it. An investigation is not a verdict, and the evidence often tells a different story than the first report.
Frequently asked questions
Can I recover if I was partly at fault for being in the road?
Yes. California uses pure comparative negligence, so your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault but not eliminated — even if you were mostly at fault.
What if the driver stayed and it wasn’t a hit-and-run?
You can still pursue a claim against the driver’s insurance. Whether the driver stayed doesn’t change your right to seek compensation for your injuries.
What can an injured pedestrian recover?
Medical bills (current and future), lost income and earning capacity, and pain and suffering. Severe pedestrian injuries often carry significant long-term costs that a claim should account for.
How long do I have to file?
Generally two years from the date of the injury in California. If a government entity is somehow involved, the window to file a claim can be as short as six months.
Hurt in a Fresno pedestrian accident?
The Wagner Law Group has recovered over $300 million for injury victims across the Central Valley. If you have questions about your rights, talk to us for free — no fee unless we win.
This post is attorney advertising and is provided for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, does not create an attorney-client relationship, and is not a solicitation of any specific individual. Details are based on initial news reports and may change as the investigation continues. We wish the injured person a full recovery. For advice about your situation, consult a licensed attorney.