A pedestrian and two drivers were rushed to the hospital after an accident along Highway 41 near downtown Fresno Monday morning. ABC30-TV reported the accident occurred just before 7 a.m. along the northbound lanes near Tulare Street on March 22, 2021.
The California Highway Patrol investigated the crash, and they say it began when a man walking along Highway 41/Yosemite Freeway was struck by a Toyota truck. An oncoming Nissan truck then hit the back of the Toyota truck.
The CHP says the pedestrian, a man in his 40s, was taken to Community Regional Medical Center in downtown Fresno with major injuries. He was listed in critical condition.
The two drivers also suffered injuries and were transported to the hospital. The investigation into what led to the collisions continues.
Traffic Dangers On Highway 41 in Fresno County
Highway 41 includes stretches of two-lane rural highway but can grow to a four-lane freeway through Fresno. No matter how many lanes, the rush of traffic and the hazards experienced seem to stay constant.
Fresno saw an extreme amount of accidents on city freeways and highways in 2019. Emergency responders recorded 521 accidents on highways leading to a tragic seven deaths including several pedestrians who lost their lives. Those accidents left another 792 people injured.
It’s not just an urban problem either. A stretch of Highway 41 in southern Fresno County has proven so dangerous, state leaders announced plans in January of 2021 to widen it. The work has been ongoing between Elkhorn and Excelsior avenues where several recent traffic accidents have resulted in tragedy.
Fresno County statistics reveal 260 accidents in 260 weeks in that area. Careless and reckless drivers are often the cause of these collisions. These crashes not only endanger other drivers and passengers, but they can leave local families devastated and facing financial hardships after the sudden loss of a loved one.
Finding Support for Victims and Families After Fresno Traffic Accidents
Victims seriously hurt in a collision and families who have lost a loved one can sometimes have to fight to get help following an accident. Victims are allowed to file a claim for damages against at-fault drivers and their insurance providers to demand help for recovery costs and lost time at work.
Families who are now without a beloved member can file a wrongful death claim against the insurance companies involved in the hopes of getting assistance with funeral and burial costs. The claim can also help provide for the family in the years to come as they must continue on without the guidance, love, and financial help a lost loved one would have provided over a lifetime.
If you or a family member is ever involved in a serious crash be sure to speak to a Fresno attorney about your options. You can visit our page about car accidents in Fresno for more information.
