While the traffic in Fresno is nothing compared to major cities like Los Angeles or San Francisco, drivers in Fresno can still find themselves in major traffic jams on HWY 41, particularly between the HWY 180 interchange and Ashland Avenue from 7 am – 10 am and 4 pm – 6 pm. However, unless there is a major accident or closure, traffic will rarely cost you more than 15 extra minutes.
Are Car Accidents More Frequent During Rush Hour?
Yes, car accidents occur more often during rush hour because of an uptick in traffic volume. Other factors, such as driver fatigue and people trying to rush home, play a role in the increased risk of car accidents during rush hour. However, according to the National Safety Council, fatal crashes occur more frequently outside of rush hour and mainly on the weekends. Non-fatal crashes which mostly result in injuries and property damage tend to occur more frequently during rush hour.
Highways with the Most Car Accidents in Fresno
According to California’s Transportation Injury Mapping System, Highway 99 has experienced the most injury-related car accidents in 2024 along its route through Fresno. Fresno County alone experienced 270 serious injury-related accidents and 123 fatalities, making it one of the most dangerous counties for drivers in California. Below is the fatal car accidents per highway that occurred in Fresno in 2024:
- Hwy 41 – 9 fatal accidents
- Hwy 180 – 6 fatal accidents
- Hwy 168 – 5 fatal accidents
- Hwy 99 – 4 fatal accidents
- Interstate 5 – 4 fatal accidents
Most Common Causes of Car Accidents in Fresno
According to the National Safety Council, not only are car accidents involving serious injuries on the rise, but so are the number of fatal car accidents that occur each year. This has to do with the rapid growth of cities like Big Bear, whose populations are becoming more dense year over year. As of 2025, the most common causes of car accidents in Fresno include:
- Distracted Driving: even momentary glances can cause devastating accidents. Distracted driving can be proven through camera footage, cell phone records, and collision investigations.
- Speeding: speeding only increases the severity of accidents and is a leading contributor to fatal car accidents every year in Big Bear. A driver’s CPU data can potentially reveal their speed before an accident.
- Moving violation: running red lights, illegal U-turns, or failing to yield can disrupt the flow of traffic, leading to major accidents. These illegal actions can typically be proven by traffic camera footage and eyewitnesses.
- Driving under the influence (DUI): This action is the leading cause of fatal accidents in California.
Do I Need A Lawyer for a Fatal Car Accident in Fresno?
Fatal car accidents can be devastating for families and communities in Fresno. While having to deal with the loss of a loved one is difficult enough, the matter only becomes more challenging when trying to battle the insurance company for financial support. The unfortunate truth of all car accidents is that the insurance company is not on your side. Even with something as horrible as losing a loved one, they will be looking to protect their bottom line, paying you as little as they can for the damage done to you and your family’s lives.
In cases like this, the wrongful death attorneys at Maison Law are here to guide you through the arduous legal process and protect your right to compensation. We work on the side of justice and aggressively fight for those who are suffering the misfortune of losing a loved one due to the reckless actions of another. Our support includes:
- Investigating your accident: we will uncover evidence to support your case and establish liability and the scope of your damages.
- Managing legal paperwork and communications: our firm will handle all communications to help you avoid the risk of inadvertently devaluing your claim by speaking with the defense, as well as allow you to grieve without having to deal with the legalities of your case.
- Negotiating on your behalf: we will work diligently to negotiate a fair settlement for the full value of your case.
- Litigating your case: If a settlement cannot be reached, our experienced wrongful death attorneys will represent you in court and fight for the compensation you and your family need.
Contact Maison Law | Fresno Car Accident Lawyers
If you or a loved one has been injured due to the carelessness of another driver in Fresno, the Car Accident Attorneys at Maison Law can help. We understand how to deal with insurance companies and protect your right to fair compensation. If liability is a question, then we will provide you with a custom legal plan of action to minimize your fault or remove it from your case entirely.
See what legal options are available to you by contacting Maison Law today for a free consultation and case review.