The five most dangerous intersections in Fresno, California, are Friant Road and Shepherd Avenue, Blackstone Avenue and Shaw Avenue, Blackstone Avenue and Ashlan Avenue, Cedar Avenue and McKinley Avenue, and Herndon Avenue and First Street.
These locations consistently experience the highest rates of serious injury crashes due to factors such as high-speed traffic, poor signal timing, vast crossing distances, and heavy commercial activity that create complex traffic patterns.
If you’ve been injured at one of these intersections, understanding why these locations are so hazardous can be crucial for your case. Insurance companies often try to blame drivers for accidents that occur at poorly designed intersections, but the reality is that these locations have known safety problems that contribute to crashes.
This guide explains the specific dangers at each intersection, the common crash patterns that put Fresno drivers at risk, and what steps you should take immediately after an intersection accident to protect your rights and health.
We’ll also cover how Kuzyk Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers helps families navigate the complex legal process after serious intersection crashes in Fresno.
How We Ranked The Five Most Dangerous Intersections
We analyzed crash data from multiple sources, mainly the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) Reports & Data, to identify the most hazardous areas in Fresno. This isn’t just about counting every little fender-bender that happens.
Our ranking focuses on the intersections where people get seriously hurt or killed. We also examine the frequency of crashes in relation to the number of cars using each intersection.
Here’s what we considered when making this list, based on public data from sources like the California Office of Traffic Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):
Total crashes: How many accidents happen at each intersection over several years
Injury severity: Crashes that kill people or put them in the hospital count more than minor bumps. In 2022 alone, the city of Fresno had 3,190 people injured and 61 fatalities from traffic accidents, highlighting the severity of the problem.
Crash types: We look for patterns like T-bone crashes, left-turn accidents, and pedestrian strikes
Traffic volume: Some intersections have more crashes simply because more cars go through them
The intersections on this list stand out because they have both high crash numbers and severe injuries. Even experienced Fresno drivers know to be extra careful at these spots.
The Five Most Dangerous Intersections In Fresno
These intersections affect thousands of Fresno families every year. Some have gotten safety improvements, but they’re still places where serious accidents happen regularly.
If you drive in Fresno, you can use at least one of these intersections regularly. Knowing what makes them dangerous can help you stay safer.
Friant Road And Shepherd Avenue
This intersection consistently ranks as one of Fresno’s most dangerous spots. The wide lanes and high speeds make it especially risky for drivers trying to turn left or cross traffic.
Cars often travel much faster than the speed limit on Friant Road. When drivers try to judge whether they have time to turn, they frequently guess wrong about how fast oncoming traffic is moving.
The signal timing at this intersection also creates problems. Drivers often get caught in the middle of a turn when the light changes, leading to devastating T-bone crashes.
Blackstone Avenue And Shaw Avenue
This intersection handles massive amounts of traffic every day because it’s surrounded by shopping centers and restaurants. The constant flow of cars turning in and out of businesses creates chaos.
Pedestrians face danger here because drivers are often preoccupied with navigating heavy traffic. Many drivers don’t see people trying to cross the street until it’s too late, which is why injured pedestrians usually work with a pedestrian accident attorney to pursue compensation.
Left-turn accidents happen frequently at this intersection. Drivers trying to turn often can’t see oncoming traffic because of the large trucks and SUVs in the other lanes.
Blackstone Avenue And Ashlan Avenue
Like the Shaw intersection, this spot is heavily congested with commuter traffic and provides access to a shopping center. The difference is that this area also has schools nearby, which adds more pedestrians and cyclists to the mix.
Red-light running is a significant problem here. Drivers trying to beat the signal often cause serious crashes with cars that just started moving on their green light, creating complex cases that require a red light accident lawyer to sort out liability.
The intersection design makes it hard for drivers to see pedestrians and cyclists. Many accidents happen when drivers make right turns without checking the crosswalk first.
Cedar Avenue And McKinley Avenue
This intersection mixes residential and commercial traffic in a dangerous way. Drivers coming from quiet neighborhoods suddenly encounter busy commercial traffic, which can lead to rear-end crashes and sideswipes.
Visibility problems make this intersection especially hazardous. Trees, signs, and buildings block drivers’ views of oncoming traffic and pedestrians.
The speed difference between residential and commercial traffic creates additional risks. Cars pulling out of neighborhoods often don’t accelerate quickly enough to keep up with the busy commercial traffic.
Herndon Avenue And First Street
High speeds on Herndon Avenue make this intersection particularly deadly. Cars traveling at 45 mph or more have little time to stop when something goes wrong.
Left-turn conflicts cause many of the serious crashes here. The wide intersection makes it hard for turning drivers to judge the speed and distance of oncoming traffic.
Even minor mistakes at this intersection can lead to serious injuries because of the speeds involved. A small misjudgment in timing can result in a high-impact crash.
What Crash Patterns Put Fresno Drivers At Risk
Understanding why crashes happen at these intersections can help you avoid becoming a victim. The same dangerous patterns repeat at intersection after intersection across Fresno.
These patterns exist because of how our city designed its roads. Wide, high-speed arterials might move traffic quickly, but they also create serious safety problems.
Left Turn Conflicts And Signal Timing
Many Fresno intersections use permissive left turns instead of protected green arrows. A permissive left turn means you have to yield to oncoming traffic without getting a special signal.
This system works well on quiet residential streets, but it becomes dangerous on busy arterials. Drivers have to judge the speed of cars that might be a quarter-mile away.
The problem gets worse because Fresno’s wide roads make cars look farther away than they really are. What looks like plenty of time to turn often isn’t enough.
Here’s why left turns cause so many crashes in Fresno:
- Wide intersections: The distance you have to travel during a turn gives oncoming cars more time to reach you
- High speeds: Cars approach faster than drivers expect, especially during off-peak hours
- Poor visibility: Large vehicles in other lanes can hide oncoming traffic
- Signal timing: Yellow lights often aren’t long enough for the size of the intersection
Pedestrians And Cyclists Near Downtown Corridors
Pedestrians and cyclists face extreme danger at busy Fresno intersections. Drivers focused on navigating heavy traffic often don’t see people trying to cross the street.
California law gives pedestrians the right-of-way at all intersections, even if there’s no painted crosswalk. But many drivers don’t know this rule or choose to ignore it, and those who willfully disregard pedestrian safety may face claims handled by a Fresno reckless driving accident lawyer.
What To Do After An Intersection Crash In Fresno
Even the most careful drivers can become victims at these hazardous intersections. What you do in the first few minutes and hours after a crash can make a huge difference in your ability to get fair compensation.
Insurance companies start working against you immediately after a crash. They want to find ways to blame you for the accident or minimize your injuries.
Safety And Medical Care First
Your health and safety are more important than anything else after a crash. Don’t worry about fault or insurance until you know everyone is okay.
Move to safety if you can do so without worsening your injuries. If your car is blocking traffic and you can drive it, pull over to the side of the road.
Call 911 immediately, even if the crash appears minor. You need police to document what happened, and you might have injuries that aren’t obvious right away.
Don’t discuss who caused the crash with the other driver. Stick to exchanging basic information like insurance details and contact information.
Evidence To Preserve In Fresno
Evidence disappears quickly after a crash, so you need to act fast. Use your phone to take pictures of everything you can see.
Take photos of the damage to all vehicles involved in the crash. Make sure to get pictures that show the whole intersection and where each car ended up.
Look for skid marks, debris, and damage to traffic signals or signs. These details can help prove what really happened during the crash.
Write down or photograph the contact information for any witnesses. People who saw the crash can provide crucial testimony later.
Many Fresno intersections have traffic cameras or nearby businesses with security cameras. Make note of any cameras you can see so your lawyer can try to get the footage.
Reporting And Legal Deadlines
California law requires you to report crashes that cause injury, death, or more than $1,000 in property damage.
You must file an SR-1 form with the DMV within 10 days.
The police report is essential, but it’s not the final word on who caused the crash. Insurance companies and lawyers will do their own investigations.
You have limited time to take legal action after a crash. For most personal injury cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit.
If a government entity like the City of Fresno might be responsible for the crash, you must file a government claim within six months of the accident.
How Kuzyk Law Helps After A Fresno Intersection Crash
We’ve been helping Fresno families for decades after serious intersection crashes. We are aware of how insurance companies attempt to take advantage of injured individuals, and we have the resources to fight back.
Insurance companies have teams of lawyers and investigators working to minimize what they pay you. You need experienced legal help to level the playing field.
Here’s what makes working with us different from handling a crash on your own:
| Without Legal Help | With Kuzyk Law |
| You deal with insurance adjusters alone | We handle all communication with insurance companies |
| You might miss critical evidence | We preserve traffic camera footage and witness statements |
| You may accept a low settlement offer | We calculate your total damages and fight for full compensation |
| You pay medical bills out of pocket | We work with medical providers on liens so you can get treatment |
We handle every case on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay us anything unless we win your case.
Our team is available 24/7 to help you, and we provide services in both English and Spanish. We understand that crashes don’t happen on a convenient schedule.
Why These Intersections Stay Dangerous
You might wonder why the city doesn’t fix these dangerous intersections if they know people get hurt there regularly. The answer is complicated and involves politics, money, and competing priorities.
Traffic engineers know how to make intersections safer, but implementing these changes can be costly and slow down traffic. City officials have to balance safety against the pressure to keep traffic moving quickly.
Some improvements have been made over the years. The city has added protected left-turn signals at some locations and improved lighting at others.
However, fundamental problems persist due to the design of these intersections. Fixing them completely would require major reconstruction that costs millions of dollars.
Common Injuries At These Intersections
The types of crashes that happen at these intersections often cause serious, life-changing injuries. T-bone crashes and high-speed collisions can damage multiple parts of your body at once.
Head and brain injuries are common because of the sudden impact and direction changes during intersection crashes. Even if you don’t hit your head directly, your brain can be injured by the violent motion, which is why many victims consult with a traumatic brain injury lawyer to understand their rights.
Neck and back injuries happen frequently in T-bone crashes. The sideways impact puts stress on your spine in ways it’s not designed to handle.
Broken bones are common, especially in your arms, legs, and ribs. The force of impact can break multiple bones at once, requiring extensive surgery and rehabilitation.
Long-Term Effects You Might Not Expect
Some injuries from intersection crashes don’t show up right away. You might feel okay at the scene but develop serious problems days or weeks later.
Soft tissue injuries like whiplash can cause chronic pain and limit your ability to work. These injuries are real and serious, even though they don’t show up on X-rays, which is why working with a whiplash lawyer who understands these invisible injuries is crucial.
Post-traumatic stress can make it difficult or impossible to drive through intersections where you were hurt. This psychological injury can be just as disabling as physical injuries.
Chronic pain can develop from injuries that seemed minor at first. What starts as a sore back can become a permanent disability that affects every aspect of your life.
Insurance Company Tactics After Intersection Crashes
Insurance companies use specific tactics to reduce what they pay after intersection crashes. Understanding these tactics can help you avoid falling into their traps.
They’ll often contact you within hours of the crash, hoping to get a recorded statement while you’re still shaken up. Anything you say can be used against you later.
Insurance adjusters are trained to find ways to blame you for the crash, even when it clearly wasn’t your fault. They might claim you were speeding, distracted, or should have seen the other car coming, and these false distraction claims often require a distracted driving accident lawyer to refute.
They’ll try to get you to accept a quick settlement before you know the full extent of your injuries. Once you accept their offer, you can’t go back and ask for more money later.
How We Protect You From These Tactics
When you hire us, insurance companies have to deal with us instead of you. We know their tactics because we’ve seen them thousands of times before.
We investigate every crash thoroughly to gather evidence that proves what really happened. This includes getting traffic camera footage, interviewing witnesses, and working with accident reconstruction experts.
We calculate the true value of your claim by considering all your current and future expenses. This includes medical bills, lost wages, and compensation for your pain and suffering.
We don’t let insurance companies pressure you into accepting unfair settlements. If they won’t offer fair compensation, we’re prepared to take your case to trial.
Contact Fresno Car Accident Lawyers Today — Free Consultation
If you’ve been hurt in a crash at one of Fresno’s dangerous intersections, you don’t have to face the insurance companies alone. We’ve been helping families in situations like yours for decades, and we know how to get results.
The legal team at Kuzyk Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers understands the unique dangers associated with these intersections. We know how to investigate crashes and build strong cases that get our clients the compensation they deserve.
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay us anything unless we win your case. There are no upfront costs, and you can get the legal help you need without worrying about how to pay for it.Contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your rights, and help you understand your options. Don’t let the insurance companies take advantage of you when you’re dealing with serious injuries and mounting bills.
