Fresno, CA – According to KSEE, on Monday, March 18, the Fresno County Coroner’s office released the identity of a pedestrian killed by a car in Southwest Fresno as 37-year-old Cory Smith.
The collision occurred on Thursday, March 14, 2024, around 4:30 AM in the vicinity of Jensen and Bardell Avenues. The driver involved remained on site and cooperated with authorities. Smith was pronounced dead at the scene. Driver impairment does not appear to have been a factor in the crash.
Pedestrian Fatalities and Wrongful Death Claims
Motorists are required to exercise an additional “duty of care” towards pedestrians due to their heightened vulnerability in car accidents, which more often result in pedestrian fatalities.
In cases where a driver is found responsible for a pedestrian fatality, the victim’s family may have grounds to initiate a wrongful death claim through the driver’s insurance provider. Compensation from a wrongful death claim can help cover medical costs, burial expenses, and the financial support lost by dependents of the deceased.
Should the driver escape justice, compensation may be available from a family member’s uninsured driver coverage. Consulting with a personal injury attorney can help determine what the best options are.
