What happened
- A driver ran a red light at McKinley and Peach avenues in East Central Fresno and collided with a vehicle lawfully crossing the intersection.
- Three people — two drivers and a passenger — were taken to the hospital with minor injuries.
- Both drivers cooperated at the scene; per police, alcohol and drugs were not factors. Fresno PD investigated.
Source: ABC30 Action News. Details reflect initial reporting and may change as the investigation continues.
Red-light-runner crashes are among the most common — and most preventable — collisions at Fresno intersections. Even when injuries are called “minor” at the scene, they can turn into weeks of treatment. Here’s how California law handles these crashes and what injured people should know.
Your rights after a red-light-runner crash
A driver who runs a red light violates another driver’s right of way, and that’s usually clear evidence of fault. Anyone injured in the vehicle that lawfully entered the intersection — driver and passengers — can generally pursue a claim against the red-light runner’s insurance for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Passengers are worth calling out: they’re almost never at fault, so an injured passenger can typically recover regardless of which driver was to blame, sometimes from more than one policy. And don’t be talked out of a claim because injuries were labeled “minor” early on — soft-tissue and head injuries frequently worsen over the following days, and a claim should reflect the full course of treatment, not the first assessment.
What to do after an intersection crash
- See a doctor even if injuries seem minor — and follow through with care. Gaps in treatment are the first thing insurers use to minimize a claim.
- Get the police report — it typically documents who ran the light.
- Look for evidence — nearby traffic or business cameras often capture intersection crashes; witnesses matter too.
- Be cautious with insurers and get advice before a recorded statement or a quick “minor injury” settlement.
“Minor” injuries aren’t always minor. Whiplash and concussion symptoms often surface days later. Getting checked out — and documenting it — protects both your health and your claim.
Frequently asked questions
Who is at fault in a red-light-runner crash?
Typically the driver who ran the light, since they violated the other driver’s right of way. Camera footage, witness accounts, and the police report help establish it.
I was a passenger — can I file a claim?
Yes. Passengers are almost never at fault and can generally pursue a claim no matter which driver caused the crash, potentially against multiple insurance policies.
My injuries were called “minor.” Is it worth a claim?
Often, yes. Injuries labeled minor at the scene can require weeks of care as symptoms develop. Don’t settle before you know the full extent — an early “minor” offer rarely covers it.
How long do I have to file in California?
Generally two years from the date of the crash — and as little as six months if a government entity is involved.
Hurt by a red-light runner in Fresno?
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. For advice about your situation, consult a licensed attorney.