Fresno, CA – According to KSEE, on Saturday night, April 13, 2024, a pedestrian recently identified by the Fresno County Coroner’s Office as 36-year-old Jonathan Harper of Fresno was fatally struck by a vehicle on Blackstone Avenue, just south of Ashlan Avenue.
Fresno police responded to distressing reports of the collision shortly before 10:30 PM. Upon arrival, officers found Harper lying in the roadway with serious injuries. He was rushed to Community Regional Medical Center but, sadly, succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.
Witnesses reported that Harper had attempted to cross the roadway when he was struck by an oncoming vehicle. The driver remained at the scene and showed no signs of impairment from alcohol or drugs. Investigations into the incident are ongoing to understand the full circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Pedestrian Fatalities and Wrongful Death Claims
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.
