Vehicle struck teen crossing toward center divider south of Herndon Avenue
February 05, 2026 | Fresno, CA
A 16-year-old student from Justin Garza High School in Fresno lost his life after being struck by a vehicle on Highway 99 south of Herndon Avenue.
Maxwell Thompson, 16, of Fresno, died after a Toyota Tacoma struck him while attempting to cross northbound Highway 99 south of Herndon Avenue.
The Fresno County Sheriff-Coroner’s Office has identified the victim as Maxwell Thompson, a Fresno resident.
What Happened in the Crash?
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reports that the incident occurred around 9 a.m. on a Thursday when Thompson attempted to cross the northbound lanes from the east shoulder toward the center divider. He was hit by a Toyota Tacoma traveling in the far-right lane.
- Date and Time: Feb. 5, approximately 9 a.m.
- Location: Highway 99 south of Herndon Avenue, Fresno, CA
- Victim: Maxwell Thompson, 16, Justin Garza High School student
- Vehicle Involved: Toyota Tacoma pickup truck
- Response: First responders provided aid, but Thompson was pronounced dead at the scene
- Suspected Factors: No alcohol or drugs involved
- Status: Ongoing investigation by CHP
Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Like This Occur?
Pedestrian fatalities continue to rise on U.S. roadways despite safety efforts. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), about 2,304 pedestrians were killed in the first half of 2024 alone.
Common contributing factors include:
- Distracted driving
- Poor visibility or lighting
- Inadequate road signage
- Pedestrians crossing outside designated areas
Statistic |
Value |
Source |
|---|
Pedestrian Deaths (First Half 2024) |
2,304 |
GHSA Report |
Annual U.S. Pedestrian Fatalities (2023) |
About 7,500 |
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) |
Percentage of Fatal Crashes Involving Pedestrians |
14% |
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) |
Legal Insights
National legal analysts emphasize the need for thorough investigations in pedestrian crashes to protect families' rights.
“In most instances, pedestrians possess the right of way when crossing an intersection or a street regardless of if they are in a marked crosswalk,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal.
Bond noted that road conditions, signage visibility, and lighting must be examined in cases such as this.
“It is almost always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal.
Formica added that families may pursue wrongful death claims for damages including loss of income, companionship, pain and suffering, funeral costs, and emotional distress.
- Key Takeaways:
- Independent investigations help uncover hidden factors like road design flaws.
- Insurance companies may push for low settlements, and legal representation ensures fair compensation.
- Pedestrians often have priority, but all parties share responsibility for safety.
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Candice Bond, national legal analyst for Newsline, has extensive experience with fatal pedestrian accidents. If you or a loved one needs help, she offers free consultations.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).