Fresno County, CA – According to ABC30, a fatal hit-and-run incident in central Fresno has resulted in the untimely death of Ervin Price, a 49-year-old resident of Fresno. The Fresno County Coroner’s Office officially confirmed Price’s identity following the collision, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday near the junction of Highway 41 and 180.
According to reports from the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the incident unfolded around 1 AM when a Land Rover traveling southbound on Highway 41 attempted to merge onto the westbound connector for Highway 180. However, the driver failed to execute the turn, veering off the roadway and into an encampment where Price, an unhoused individual, was residing.
The impact of the collision resulted in Price sustaining fatal injuries, and he unfortunately passed away at the scene. Initially, authorities apprehended a 27-year-old woman on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI), believing her to be the driver of the Land Rover. However, subsequent investigations revealed that she was a passenger in the vehicle and has since been released.
Law enforcement officials are actively searching for the actual driver responsible for the hit-and-run incident, although their identity has not yet been disclosed to the public. The ongoing investigation aims to uncover the circumstances leading up to the collision and bring accountability to those involved in the tragic event.
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.
