Fresno, CA – A 30-year-old man lost his life early Friday, August 16, 2024, after being struck by two vehicles in central Fresno. The incident occurred around midnight at the intersection of Belmont Avenue and Mariposa Street, according to The Fresno Bee.
When officers arrived at the scene, they discovered the man had been hit by both a Recreational Vehicle (RV) and another vehicle. Despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene. The victim’s identity has not been released as authorities work to notify his next of kin.
According to investigations, the RV was traveling westbound on Belmont Avenue when the pedestrian stepped into the roadway and was struck. Moments later, a sedan, believed to be the second vehicle involved, also hit the man before fleeing the scene. The driver of the sedan has not yet been located.
The driver of the RV remained at the scene, and officers are investigating the possibility that the driver was under the influence at the time of the collision. The incident has sparked a dual investigation into both a potential DUI and a hit-and-run.
Pedestrian Fatalities and Wrongful Death Claims
Motorists bear an added responsibility, known as the “Duty of Care,” towards pedestrians due to their heightened vulnerability in car accidents, often leading to pedestrian fatalities.
For those who have lost someone in a vehicular fatality, a Wrongful Death claim, made with the help of an experienced personal injury attorney, can provide compensation to alleviate the financial strain of laying their loved one to rest.
If the at-fault driver evades legal consequences, compensation might still be accessible through a family member’s uninsured driver coverage. Seeking advice from a personal injury attorney can help ascertain the most suitable options in such circumstances.
California DUI Law
Section 23153(a) of the California Vehicle Code (CVC) states that it is illegal for any driver to “Operate a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs and, as a result, cause bodily injury to someone else.”
