Driver struck toddler and mother with his truck in Clovis Trader Joe's parking lot
January 03, 2026 | Clovis, CA
A toddler suffered injuries when struck by a vehicle driven by a suspected impaired motorist near a popular grocery store in Clovis.
Authorities responded to the scene and took swift action against the driver.
Steve Myer, 62, of Prather, was arrested on felony DUI charges after his truck struck a toddler and the child’s mother in a Clovis parking lot.
What Happened in the Crash?
Police reports detail a collision involving a young child and an adult driver at a busy intersection. Key facts include:
- Date and Time: Jan. 3, around 2:20 p.m.
- Location: Near Willow and Nees Avenues, close to Trader Joe's in Clovis, California.
- Victim Details: An unidentified toddler was hit while the child's mother was also struck but sustained no injuries. The toddler was rushed to a nearby hospital and listed in stable condition.
- Driver Information: 62-year-old Steve Myer, from Prather, was behind the wheel and arrested on felony DUI charges.
- Investigation Status: The incident is under active review by local law enforcement.
This crash underscores the dangers of impaired driving in everyday community settings.
Why Do DUI Crashes Occur?
Impaired driving remains a leading cause of preventable accidents nationwide. According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), roughly 300,000 people are injured annually in such incidents. Common factors include:
- Reduced reaction times and poor judgment.
- Impaired vision and coordination issues.
- Heightened risk to pedestrians, especially vulnerable groups like children.
Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights that alcohol-impaired driving claims over 10,000 lives each year in the U.S.
Statistic |
Value |
Source |
|---|
Annual DUI Injuries |
About 300,000 |
MADD |
Alcohol-Related Fatalities |
>10,000 |
CDC |
Preventable Crashes |
100% |
NHTSA |
Legal Insights
In cases such as this, victims and families often navigate complex legal pathways. National legal analysts offer a perspective on pursuing justice and support.
“Separate from any criminal proceedings, those affected may seek compensation via civil action against the at-fault driver,” said Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal. “Guidance from an advocate can provide compassionate support, safeguard rights, and ensure accountability for impaired operators.”
Key takeaways from analyst insights:
- Victims may claim recovery for medical costs, ongoing care, pain, and emotional distress.
- Legal representation helps manage the overwhelming aftermath, from family disruptions to financial strain.
- Awareness of entitlements under law is crucial, as no monetary award fully compensates for harm, but it aids recovery.
Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal, emphasized:
“The stress following a serious collision can upend daily life. It's vital for injured parties to understand their options and pursue fair recompense for all damages incurred.”
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If you, a friend, or a family member has been injured by a hit-and-run or drunk driver, contact national legal analyst Candice Bond for a free consultation.
(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).