Maison Law helps people in Fresno when they’re injured in pedestrian accidents. Fresno’s weather and walkable neighborhoods make it easy to get around on foot. But when you look at the statistics, pedestrian accidents happen more often than most people think. If you’re ever involved in one, knowing your rights and what steps to take next can make a big difference.
If you’ve been hurt while walking in Fresno, we’re here to help you understand your legal options. Start with a free consultation today.
How Common Are Pedestrian Accidents in Fresno?
As the largest city in the Central Valley, Fresno sees a constant mix of drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians sharing the road. With so many people out and about, it’s no surprise that pedestrian accidents are a real concern here.
According to the California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), Fresno has averaged around 168 pedestrian accidents each year since 2020. Here’s a breakdown of reported pedestrian accidents in the city:
- 2020 – 115 accidents
- 2021 – 155 accidents
- 2022 – 190 accidents
- 2023 – 206 accidents
- 2024 – 174 accidents
Again, though, what makes these accidents so difficult is how damaging they are.
How Damaging Are Pedestrian Accidents in Fresno?
When you’re hit by a car while walking, the outcome is often serious—sometimes even life-threatening. Without the protection of a vehicle, pedestrians take the full impact. And unfortunately, the numbers in Fresno reflect how dangerous these accidents really are. According to the California Highway Patrol’s SWITRS data from 2020 to 2024, fatal pedestrian accidents averaged out to:
- 28.4 fatalities per year.
When you break down these numbers per year, it’s even more stark:
- 2020 – 32 fatalities
- 2021 – 29 fatalities
- 2022 – 34 fatalities
- 2023 – 21 fatalities
- 2024 – 26 fatalities
It’s not hard to understand why these accidents are so damaging. When a pedestrian is struck by a moving vehicle, there’s no airbag, seatbelt, or steel frame to lessen the blow. That’s why pedestrian accidents are among the most dangerous kinds–and why the risk of fatality is so high, especially at higher speeds or in poorly lit areas. Here are some of the more serious injuries people often suffer after being hit by a car:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord and neck injuries
- Internal bleeding or organ damage
- Pelvic injuries
- Fractures or broken bones
- Severe cuts and blood loss
These injuries usually lead to long recovery periods, missed work, expensive medical care, and emotional trauma–especially when the accident could have been avoided.
What Are the Leading Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Fresno?
Another frustrating thing about pedestrian accidents is that you (or any other person walking on foot) have virtually no control over the situation. Yes, you can always stay alert and aware of your surroundings, but ultimately, you can’t stop a driver from texting or trying to speed through a red light at a crosswalk.
According to the CHP’s Transportation Injury Mapping System (TIMS), of the 811 pedestrian accidents in the city between 2020 and 2024, nearly half (44.6%) were caused by drivers. The leading causes were:
- Drivers failing to yield – 185 accidents
- Speeding or reckless driving – 85 accidents
- Not stopping at a red light – 20 accidents
- Ignoring signs or signals – 13 accidents
- Unsafe starting or backing of the vehicle – 10 accidents
Given these numbers, it’s easy to see how you could be hurt in a pedestrian accident in the city. But even before you look at the individual factors, you need to know what you’re supposed to do. It starts with taking the following steps:
- Get medical care immediately, even if you’re not sure how badly you’re hurt
- Call 911 to report the accident and get help from police and EMTs
- Collect contact and insurance information from everyone involved
- Take photos or video of the scene if you’re able
- Track all your medical visits and costs
- Report the incident to your health insurance
- Avoid admitting fault, even casually
We know these steps aren’t always easy–especially if you’re badly injured. But the more you’re able to document early on, the stronger your case can be later.
When Do Pedestrian Accidents Usually Happen in Fresno?
Pedestrian accidents in Fresno can happen just about anywhere–but the timing of these accidents tells us just as much as the location. Based on TIMS data, certain days of the week see more accidents than others, with:
- Thursdays and Fridays standing out as the most dangerous.
Still, here’s the breakdown of accidents by day of the week:
- Monday – 112 accidents
- Tuesday – 121 accidents
- Wednesday – 113 accidents
- Thursday – 136 accidents
- Friday – 124 accidents
- Saturday – 109 accidents
- Sunday – 94 accidents
This makes sense when you think about heavier foot traffic, evening outings, and drivers in a hurry or possibly under the influence. Accidents also tend to spike in the late afternoon and evening, especially in busy areas like:
- Downtown Fresno
- Major intersections with crosswalks
- Poorly lit roads or areas with limited sidewalks
Knowing when these accidents are more likely to happen can help you stay alert–but if you or someone you care about has already been hit, it’s important to know your legal options.
Contact Maison Law After a Pedestrian Accident in Fresno
When you’re just walking around Fresno–heading to work, school, or the store–you don’t expect to get hit by a car. But when it happens, the injuries can be serious. And if you want to file an injury claim, the process can be confusing and stressful, especially while you’re trying to recover. You’re not required to hire a lawyer in California–but having one can make a big difference. Here’s what our team at Maison Law can do to help:
- Explain your options clearly during a free case review, so you know what steps make sense for your situation.
- Gather strong evidence to show what happened and how you were hurt.
- Handle the insurance company, so you’re not stuck dealing with delays, low offers, or pressure to settle.
- Take the legal stress off your plate so you can focus on getting better.
Every pedestrian accident is different, so the right next step depends on what happened. If you’re unsure where to start, we can walk you through your options. Set up your free consultation today.
