Fresno, CA — According to the Fresno Bee, on Saturday night, April 13, 2024, a pedestrian was struck and killed by a vehicle on Blackstone Avenue, just south of Ashlan Avenue. Fresno police officers responded to the collision shortly before 10:30 PM after receiving distressing reports.
The victim, a man in his 30s, sustained serious injuries and was found lying in the roadway. He was rushed to Community Regional Medical Center but tragically succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.
According to witness accounts, the man attempted to cross the roadway and was struck by an oncoming vehicle. The driver of the vehicle stayed at the scene and did not show signs of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.
Pedestrian Fatalities and Wrongful Death Claims
Even in cases where criminal charges are not brought to bear, families who have lost a loved one in a fatal collision may be able to file a wrongful death claim with the insurance provider of those at fault.
The compensation provided by a wrongful death claim can relieve the financial burdens created by medical expenses, burial costs, and the loss of income to support any dependents of the deceased.
Those involved in a pedestrian crash should know that 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.
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.