FRESNO, CA (December 1, 2025) — A pedestrian was killed Sunday night when he was struck by a vehicle at a busy Fresno intersection. The Fresno County Coroner’s Office identified the victim as 48-year-old James Harvey of Fresno.
Accident Details: Officers responded to the crash at 6 p.m. at Bullard Avenue and First Street. According to Fresno Police Lt. Henry Garcia III, the vehicle was traveling west on Bullard, passing through the intersection of First Street, when it struck Harvey just west of the site.
Officers and EMS provided first aid to Harvey, who was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. The driver remained on scene. Investigators believe Harvey was a member of the unhoused community.
Investigation: Fresno Police are investigating the fatal crash and locating any witnesses and surveillance cameras to determine what happened. Lt. Garcia said officers were evaluating the driver to check for intoxicants or alcohol influence, but drugs or alcohol do not appear to be factors in the crash.
Anyone with information is asked to call the police at 559-621-7000.
Legal Considerations: Pedestrian crashes at busy intersections require thorough investigation to determine whether the pedestrian or driver was at fault. Police preliminary findings suggesting pedestrian fault indicate Harvey may have crossed outside a designated crosswalk or entered the roadway unexpectedly.
However, preliminary assessments can change as investigations progress. Drivers still have a duty to maintain proper lookout and avoid striking pedestrians even when those pedestrians may be crossing unlawfully. Factors such as driver speed, lighting conditions, and whether the driver had time to react all influence liability determinations.
Members of the unhoused community face particular vulnerability as pedestrians. They may cross roadways in unexpected locations or have limited awareness of traffic patterns, but drivers must still exercise reasonable care to avoid collisions when possible.
Even when a pedestrian bears some fault for a collision, California’s comparative negligence law allows families to pursue wrongful death claims if the driver also contributed to the crash. Damages are reduced by the pedestrian’s percentage of fault but not eliminated entirely.
Wrongful death claims compensate families for funeral expenses, the victim’s pain and suffering before death, and the loss of companionship. Surveillance footage and witness statements will be crucial in establishing what occurred and whether either party could have prevented the tragedy.
Our condolences to those who knew and cared for James Harvey.
Source: Yahoo News / ABC30