Fresno, CA (June 25, 2026) – A woman died after being struck by a vehicle while crossing Ventura Avenue in Downtown Fresno, the Fresno Police Department confirmed. The crash occurred just before 10 p.m. on June 25, 2026.
A witness exiting Highway 99 flagged down a Fresno police officer after seeing a woman get struck while crossing the road, police say. The witness reported that a large, dark-colored SUV had struck the woman as she crossed Ventura Avenue.
Officers located the woman lying in the road near the intersection of “F” Street and Ventura Avenue with severe injuries. She was transported to Community Regional Medical Center, where she later died, according to police.
The vehicle did not stop after striking the woman. The victim has not been identified. Police are reviewing whether surveillance cameras in the area captured the crash and are asking anyone with information to contact the Fresno Police Department.
This is a developing story. Details may change as the investigation continues.
A hit-and-run that claims a life leaves a family with grief and questions that feel impossible to answer alone.
Fatal Hit-and-run Accidents in Fresno, CA
When a driver flees after striking and killing a pedestrian, the family faces two separate paths forward: the police investigation and a civil wrongful death claim. These run at the same time and follow different rules. What families need to know:
- The driver does not need to be identified first. A wrongful death claim runs independently of the criminal case.
- UM coverage may still apply. If the deceased held an active California auto policy, the family may file under uninsured motorist provisions even if the driver is never found.
- Who can file? Under CCP Section 377.60, standing belongs to a surviving spouse, domestic partner, children, and financially dependent family members.
- What it can recover? Lost financial support, funeral and burial costs, and compensation for the loss of companionship, guidance, and care.
- Comparative fault does not bar recovery. California’s pure comparative fault standard reduces recovery by whatever percentage of fault is attributed to the pedestrian. It does not eliminate the right to file.
What to do After a Pedestrian Crash?
- Do not give a recorded statement to any insurer before speaking with an attorney.
- Locate any auto insurance policies held by the deceased. UM coverage may apply even when the driver is unknown.
- Contact an attorney quickly. Surveillance footage near the scene may already be on an overwrite cycle.
Filing Deadlines: California wrongful death claims must generally be filed within two years of the date of death (CCP § 335.1). For this case, that deadline is June 25, 2028.
If any government entity bears responsibility for this crash, the California Government Claims Act requires a formal notice of claim within six months. That deadline is December 25, 2026. Missing it permanently bars a civil claim against that entity.
Contact Our California Personal Injury Lawyer
J.G. Winter Law is a Northern California personal injury law firm serving Fresno and the surrounding Central Valley. We handle hit-and-run pedestrian cases where the driver has fled, and answers are still missing. That includes wrongful death claims, uninsured motorist coverage disputes, and third-party liability.
Families in Fresno can reach the firm through the Stockton office, which covers Central Valley cases. Jeremy Winter handles each case directly. While law enforcement pursues the driver, our personal injury attorneys work in parallel to preserve evidence and protect your family’s right to file.
Why Northern California families trust J.G. Winter Law:
- Proven Results: 100M+ Recovered
- 4.9‑star rating from 146+ verified client reviews
- 20 years of personal injury experience
- No fee unless we win your case
- 24/7 support – Call us anytime
- Bilingual attorneys – English & Spanish
Call (844) 764-2596 when you are ready to talk. We work on contingency. We take no fees unless they recover for your family.
