Fresno County, CA — A man driving a Go-Kart was fatally injured in a hit-and-run collision early Saturday morning, August 26, 2024, according to The Fresno Bee. The accident occurred around 6:35 AM on Mountain View Avenue, west of Peach Avenue.
The Go-Kart, which was not street-legal and lacked lights or reflectors, was traveling westbound on Mountain View Avenue when it was struck from behind by a Toyota Tacoma, also heading west. The Go-Kart’s low profile and lack of visibility may have contributed to the collision.
Emergency responders from the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office were the first on the scene and attempted life-saving measures. Despite their best efforts, the man was pronounced dead at the scene.
California Highway Patrol (CHP) investigators believe that the driver of the Toyota Tacoma stopped briefly after the collision but then fled the scene without offering assistance to the injured man. The CHP has described the suspect vehicle as a white 2012-2015 Toyota Tacoma, likely with front-end damage from the impact.
Authorities are continuing their investigation and have not yet determined whether alcohol or drugs were factors in the collision.
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.
California Hit-and-Run Laws
California Law requires drivers involved in a collision to stop their vehicle, notify law enforcement, and exchange insurance information with others involved. Failure to do so, considered to be a “hit-and-run,” is a misdemeanor in cases of property damage and a felony when someone has been injured.
