Porterville, CA — The Porterville Police Department reported the arrest of 57-year-old Salvador Arellano-Espinoza on charges of driving under the influence causing injury and hit-and-run causing injury following an incident on the night of Tuesday, April 2, 2024, according to KSEE.
The incident unfolded around 8:10 PM in the 1200 Block of West Henderson Avenue when officers responded to a hit-and-run collision involving a vehicle and a pedestrian. Upon arrival, authorities discovered the pedestrian suffering from major injuries and promptly transported them to the hospital for medical attention.
According to investigators, the suspect vehicle fled the scene but was tracked down by a witness to a nearby business in the 700 Block of South Jaye Street. Police identified and apprehended the driver of the suspect vehicle as Salvador Arellano-Espinoza.
Investigative findings suggest that the pedestrian was crossing Henderson Avenue in an uncontrolled section of the roadway when Arellano-Espinoza, driving eastbound, failed to yield and struck the pedestrian. Following the collision, Arellano-Espinoza fled from the scene.
Further examination during the investigation indicated that Arellano-Espinoza was allegedly under the influence of alcohol at the time of the collision, leading to the charges of driving under the influence causing injury and hit-and-run causing injury.
Arellano-Espinoza was subsequently arrested and booked into the South County Detention Facility. He is currently being held on a bail amount of $50,000.00 pending further legal proceedings.
Duty of Care Toward Pedestrians
After a vehicular accident, in addition to emotional distress, victims and their families can be overwhelmed with the sudden financial burdens of medical bills, loss of income due to recovery time, and, in unfortunate circumstances, burial fees.
The responsibility for these costs should fall upon those responsible for causing these injuries and their insurance provider. However, insurance companies will try to minimize the compensation for any claim they cannot deny, which is why having the help of a skilled personal injury attorney can prove crucial in ensuring justice for victims of vehicular accidents.
Anyone involved in a pedestrian crash should know that drivers are expected to provide a special “duty of care” toward pedestrians, who have greater vulnerability and are more likely to receive fatal injuries in traffic collisions. However, establishing liability can depend on multiple factors. Sorting through these complexities to determine fault is one of the services a personal injury attorney can provide.
