Fresno County, CA – December 17, 2025 | Ayuda California News
A 2-year-old girl tragically lost her life following a violent two-vehicle collision that occurred Wednesday morning in a rural area of Fresno County, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
What We Know About the Crash
The collision occurred around 10:00 a.m. at the intersection of Walnut Avenue and Jefferson Avenue, near the community of Easton.
According to CHP’s preliminary report:
- A 28-year-old woman was driving a Honda Civic northbound on Walnut Avenue.
- At the same time, a 17-year-old driver was traveling eastbound on Jefferson Avenue in a Chevrolet Tahoe.
- Authorities stated that the Honda driver failed to stop at a posted stop sign, entering the intersection and causing what officers described as a “violent collision.”
Victims and Safety Conditions
Following the impact:
- The 28-year-old driver was pronounced dead at the scene.
- The 2-year-old girl, who was riding in the Honda Civic, was transported to a hospital, where she later died from her injuries.
CHP confirmed that neither victim was wearing a seat belt, and the child was not secured in a child safety seat, as required under California law.
The occupants of the Chevrolet Tahoe — a 16-year-old passenger and the 17-year-old driver — were wearing seat belts and sustained minor injuries.
The identities of those involved have not been publicly released.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, including:
- Failure to stop at the posted stop sign
- Visibility conditions at the rural intersection
- Compliance with California child passenger safety laws
At this time, no arrests or charges have been announced, and the investigation remains active.
Legal Implications and Family Rights
When a traffic collision results in the death of a child, California law provides specific legal protections for affected families.
Depending on the findings of the investigation, surviving family members may be entitled to:
- A wrongful death claim under California Code of Civil Procedure §§ 377.60–377.61
- Compensation for funeral and medical expenses
- Economic damages and emotional damages for the loss of a child
- An analysis of shared liability, if more than one factor contributed to the crash
Comparative Negligence in California
📜 Applicable Law: Li v. Yellow Cab Co., 13 Cal.3d 804 (1975)
California follows a pure comparative negligence system, meaning:
- Liability may be divided among multiple parties
- Partial fault does not eliminate the right to recover damages
- Compensation is adjusted based on each party’s percentage of responsibility
Example:
If investigators determine that:
- The driver was 70% at fault for failing to stop at the stop sign (Vehicle Code § 22450), and
- 30% fault is attributed to failure to use a seat belt or child safety seat (Vehicle Code §§ 27315 and § 27360),
The family may still recover 70% of total damages.
Importantly, failure to use a seat belt or child safety seat does not automatically bar recovery. Each case is evaluated individually based on the full circumstances.
Ayuda California: Legal Support in Tragedies Involving Children
At Ayuda California, we understand that the loss of a child is one of the most devastating tragedies a family can experience.
We provide:
- Free legal guidance in Spanish
- Compassionate and professional case evaluations involving minors
- Respectful, confidential, and humane support
- Assistance regardless of immigration status
📞 Call us today for a free consultation.
Your family deserves answers, support, and justice.
