Fresno, CA – On the evening of Sunday, October 12, 2025, Edward Rouw, 59, lost his life after being struck by an SUV while crossing the street, according to The Fresno Bee.
The Fresno Police Department reports that the collision took place around 7:00 PM on Blackstone Avenue, just south of Clinton Avenue.
Investigators said Rouw was crossing eastbound across Blackstone Avenue outside a marked crosswalk or possibly within an unmarked intersection when he entered the northbound lanes of traffic. Authorities said he failed to yield to approaching vehicles and was struck by an SUV traveling northbound.
Officers responded quickly and provided first aid, but Rouw was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the SUV stopped immediately and cooperated with investigators.
Police said there was no evidence of intoxication, and the department’s Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing to investigate the circumstances leading to the fatal crash.
Pedestrian Fatalities and Wrongful Death Claims
Drivers have a Duty of Care towards pedestrians, which includes being vigilant for those travelling by foot and, if a collision occurs, staying with the victim, alerting emergency responders, and cooperating with authorities investigating the crash.
For those who lose a loved one in a pedestrian accident, filing a Wrongful Death claim with the assistance of an experienced attorney can provide compensation for medical bills, funeral costs, and other related damages.
Partial Liability in Pedestrian Accidents
California Law does not consider pedestrians to have the right-of-way under all circumstances, such as if they attempt to cross outside of a crosswalk. However, motorists are never relieved of the expectation to provide pedestrians with a Duty of Care toward their safety.
It may therefore be determined that a motorist is subject to only partial liability in a pedestrian accident. Should that be the case, they would be financially responsible for the victim’s recovery costs in proportion to their degree of liability.
Ongoing Investigations
Victims of traffic accidents and their families should be aware that authorities may fail to note or even misinterpret critical evidence at a crash site. One of the services that a Personal Injury Attorney can provide is to pursue follow-up investigations, which can reveal additional evidence to correct any errors made by previous investigators.
Fresno Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, contact a Fresno Pedestrian Accident Lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
