Pregnant Woman Injured in Fresno Crash

Pregnant Woman Injured in Central Fresno Crash Involving Pickup and Railroad Crossing Arm

Overview of the Collision

On Wednesday evening, December 10, 2025, at approximately 5:05 PM, a serious traffic collision in central Fresno left two people injured after a car struck the side of a pickup truck and then collided with a railroad crossing arm. According to preliminary police reports, the driver of the car, a man in his 20s, was allegedly speeding and under the influence when he lost control and crashed. The pregnant passenger in the pickup truck was transported to a local hospital for evaluation. The driver of the car also sustained injuries and is expected to recover.

Fresno Police and other emergency personnel responded quickly, securing the scene and ensuring bystander safety. Authorities indicated the driver in his 20s is facing potential charges related to driving under the influence, and the investigation remains ongoing. Both the Fresno Police Department and California Highway Patrol are examining crash dynamics, speed, roadway conditions, signal functionality at the railroad crossing, and other contributing factors.

What We Know So Far

• Time and location: Around 5:05 PM in central Fresno.
• Vehicles involved: A passenger car and a pickup truck, with subsequent impact to a railroad crossing arm.
• Injuries: The pregnant woman in the pickup was transported for medical evaluation; the car's driver was also injured.
• Allegations: The car's driver is suspected of DUI and speeding. Charges are anticipated.
• Investigation: Law enforcement is assessing speed, impairment, roadway conditions, and the status of the crossing arm and signals at the time of impact.

Understanding DUI Liability in California

California law is clear: operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs and causing bodily injury to another person is a crime. California Vehicle Code section 23153(a) prohibits driving under the influence when it results in injury. In a civil context, DUI-related crashes can also expose an at-fault driver to significant financial liability for the injuries and losses they cause. In some cases, punitive damages may be available when a defendant's conduct demonstrates a conscious disregard for the safety of others, such as driving while intoxicated.

Passenger Rights and Potential Claims

Injured passengers—whether riding in the at-fault driver's vehicle or another vehicle—generally have the right to seek compensation from the negligent party's insurance. Even when the at-fault party is a friend or family member, liability insurance exists to address these losses. Depending on the facts, multiple sources of recovery may be available:

• At-fault driver's bodily injury liability coverage
• Vehicle owner's insurance under permissive use
• Underinsured/Uninsured Motorist coverage (UM/UIM), if the at-fault driver's policy limits are insufficient
• Medical payments coverage (Med-Pay), which can help cover medical bills regardless of fault (if carried on the injured passenger's policy)

In the Fresno incident, the pregnant passenger's claim could include medical care, fetal monitoring, and follow-up visits, along with compensation for pain, suffering, and emotional distress. If pregnancy complications arise, those damages can expand to include additional treatment costs and, if applicable, claims related to harm to the fetus.

Railroad Crossing Considerations

Collisions near railroad tracks raise specialized safety considerations. Investigators typically review whether crossing gates and warning lights functioned properly, whether there were visibility issues, and whether the design or maintenance of the crossing area contributed in any way to the crash or its severity. While the information currently available suggests the driver lost control and hit the crossing arm, the investigation can still examine the crossing's status at the time of the collision. If a public entity or railroad equipment malfunction played a role, additional claims against those parties might be implicated; however, such claims require prompt evidence preservation and, for public entities, strict claim filing deadlines.

Crashes involving suspected DUI raise serious criminal and civil consequences. While the criminal case proceeds separately, injured victims—especially passengers—may have the right to pursue civil claims for medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and, in some cases, punitive damages.

Avian Law Group has extensive experience handling DUI injury cases and protecting passengers harmed by reckless conduct. If you or a loved one was injured in this Fresno collision, our attorneys can help evaluate all available insurance coverage, preserve critical evidence, and pursue full compensation. Contact us for a no-obligation case evaluation.