Laton, CA — A fatal collision on Friday night, June 28, 2024, claimed the life of a motorcyclist and led to the arrest of a teenage driver on suspicion of DUI, according to KSEE.
Around 9:18 PM, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) received a report of a crash at the intersection of East Street and Mount Whitney Avenue. At the scene, officers discovered a 20-year-old man from Kerman lying unresponsive on the ground. He had been riding a 2023 Kawasaki Ninja 400 motorcycle.
The other party involved, a 17-year-old driver from Lemoore, was found at the scene with his 2000 Ford F-150 truck. The initial investigation by CHP indicates that the motorcycle rider was traveling westbound on Mount Whitney Avenue, while the teen driver was heading northbound on East Street.
It appears that the driver of the Ford either failed to stop or failed to yield at the stop sign, entering the intersection and crossing into the path of the Kawasaki motorcycle. The impact of the collision caused the motorcycle to overturn, hurling the rider from his vehicle.
Despite efforts to save him, the motorcyclist succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The teenage driver sustained moderate injuries and was transported to a medical facility for treatment.
CHP officers suspect that alcohol was a factor in the crash. Following his treatment, the driver was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and was subsequently booked into the Fresno County Juvenile Justice Center.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Wrongful Death Claims
Whether or not a collision results in criminal charges for any of those involved, 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 the at-fault driver.
The compensation provided by a Wrongful Death claim can relieve the financial burdens created by medical expenses, burial costs, and the loss of income needed to support the deceased’s dependents.
Insurance companies will work to reduce any claim they cannot deny. This is where the help of a knowledgeable personal injury attorney proves invaluable, negotiating on behalf of victims and their families to ensure they receive proper compensation.
