Fresno, CA — According to KSEE, on Friday, May 24, 2024, a man identified by the Fresno County Coroner’s Office as 36-year-old Justin Yanez of Fresno died in a crash following a short pursuit by law enforcement that also injured his passenger.
According to sheriff’s officials, the incident began when deputies attempted to make a traffic stop on a motorcycle near the intersection of McKinley and Feland Avenues in Fresno County. The motorcyclist, later identified as Yanez, failed to yield and fled at a high rate of speed.
A brief pursuit ensued, ending just before 4:30 PM when the motorcycle crashed into a sedan at the intersection of Shields and Valentine Avenues after Yanez failed to stop at a posted stop sign.
Yanez and a woman who was riding with him were both transported to the hospital. Tragically, Yanez succumbed to his injuries. The driver of the sedan was also taken to a local hospital for treatment but did not suffer severe injuries.
Sheriff’s officials confirmed that Yanez had an active arrest warrant for traffic-related offenses at the time of the incident.
Passenger Liability
The liability insurance that drivers carry is not just meant to cover accidental harm caused to those outside of the vehicle. A driver is responsible for the safety of those in their vehicle as well. While making a wrongful death or personal injury claim against someone who knew the victim personally may prove emotionally challenging, the financial burdens following a vehicular accident can be hefty.
A good personal injury attorney can help grieving families seek proper compensation for their loss by navigating these tricky issues, as well as negotiating on the victim’s behalf with insurance companies, who routinely work to minimize the payout of any claim they cannot deny.
