Fresno County, CA — January 10, 2025,Four people were killed and two were injured in a car accident that occurred at around 10:35 P.M. on Floyd Avenue.

An investigation is underway following a car accident that left four people dead and injured two others during the evening hours of January 10th. According to official reports, a Ford Econoline was at a stop sign at the intersection of Shaw and Floyd Ave. and entered the intersection without yielding to a Nissan Sedan resulting in a collision.

The impact of the collision caused both vehicles to catch fire, and when first responders arrived on the scene they found that two people in the Ford and two in the Nissan had sustained fatal injuries and were pronounced deceased, however two people from the Nissan were able escape but not without sustaining moderate injuries. At this time the accident remains under investigation, and certain details such as the identities of those involved have not been released.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

Whenever I read about a crash like this, my immediate concern is whether those affected will get the answers they deserve about how and why it happened. On the surface, this may seem like a straightforward case—one vehicle reportedly failed to yield, leading to a collision—but experience has taught me that the initial explanation isn’t always the full story. That’s why it’s crucial to ask three key questions in every accident investigation.

The first question is whether authorities conducted a thorough investigation. Law enforcement will likely document the scene, speak to witnesses, and review any available footage, but the depth of their inquiry can vary depending on resources and training. In cases like this, where multiple fatalities occurred and both vehicles caught fire, accident reconstruction experts will play a critical role in piecing together what happened. However, it's important to recognize that fire can destroy key evidence, making it even more essential to preserve and analyze what remains. If authorities don’t have the time or expertise to dig deeper, an independent investigation may be necessary.

The second question is whether a vehicle defect could have contributed to the crash. At first glance, it may appear that one driver’s failure to yield was the sole cause, but that doesn’t mean mechanical failure can be ruled out. For example, did the Ford Econoline have an issue with its brakes or accelerator that prevented it from stopping? Did a steering problem cause the driver to lose control? Given that both vehicles caught fire, another crucial factor to examine is whether a defect in either vehicle’s fuel system or electrical components played a role in the fire’s intensity. Unfortunately, fire can quickly destroy potential evidence, which is why securing and examining what’s left of the vehicles is so important before they are scrapped or repaired.

Finally, has all the electronic data related to the crash been collected? Modern vehicles store valuable information in their electronic control modules (ECMs), commonly referred to as "black boxes." These devices can provide critical data such as speed, braking, and steering inputs leading up to the crash. Additionally, cell phone records, nearby surveillance footage, and even dashcam footage (if available) could help clarify key details. Given the severity of this crash, ensuring that all this electronic evidence is preserved and analyzed should be a top priority.

When accidents take lives and change others forever, those affected deserve clear and thorough answers. While official reports may offer an initial explanation, they don’t always tell the whole story. That’s why it’s so important to ensure that every angle is explored, every piece of evidence is secured, and every possible contributing factor is considered.