The McClellan Law Firm has achieved a historic $28,163,528 verdict against the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) on behalf of a young client who was severely injured in a crosswalk accident in Tulare, California.
The case centers on a notoriously dangerous intersection at Mooney Boulevard and Cross Avenue. On May 28, 2025, a Tulare County jury found that the intersection constituted a dangerous condition of public property. The victim, a 13-year-old boy, was hit by a car while using the crosswalk and suffered life-altering injuries that will require lifelong medical care.
The intersection, located just north of the Santa Fe Trail, was designed in 2002 and has long been considered hazardous by local residents. The crosswalk spans a five-lane, 60 mph highway with no traffic signals and complex turning patterns. “Residents living nearby fear using the crosswalk,” said attorney Craig McClellan of the McClellan Law Firm, who represented the boy during the trial.
The situation worsened in 2022 when Caltrans repaved Mooney Boulevard and covered much of the crosswalk striping, making it even more difficult for drivers to see pedestrians. On the day of the incident, the boy was walking home from football practice. A left-turning vehicle obstructed the line of sight between the boy and the oncoming driver, which experts testified contributed to the crash.
“This tragedy was entirely preventable,” said McClellan. “Caltrans knew this crosswalk was dangerous from the beginning and had even recommended the City consider an overpass. Yet, after two decades, no corrective measures were taken.”
The verdict is believed to be the largest ever awarded in Tulare County for a case involving public roadway conditions.
Case Information:
Case Name: Jathan Quiroz, by and through his Guardian ad Litem, Javier Quiroz vs. State of California, Department of Transportation (Caltrans), et al.
Court and Case Number: Tulare County Superior Court, Case No. VCU297860
Date of Verdict: May 28, 2025