Fresno, CA – A woman in her 70s was struck and killed by a vehicle early Saturday morning, September 14, 2024, while crossing Blackstone Avenue in north Fresno, according to The Fresno Bee.
The fatal pedestrian collision occurred around 3:19 AM at the intersection of Blackstone and Spruce Avenues.
Officers arrived on the scene to find the woman in the roadway, where she was pronounced dead from her injuries. The driver involved in the accident remained at the scene and cooperated with authorities. He informed officers that he was driving southbound on Blackstone Avenue in the number one lane when the collision occurred. The driver also stated that he had the green light at the time of the crash.
Investigators are still looking into the exact circumstances of the incident, but initial findings suggest that neither alcohol nor drugs played a role in the collision. The Fresno Police Department has not yet identified the victim, and an investigation is ongoing to determine whether any other factors contributed to the accident.
Pedestrian Fatalities and Wrongful Death Claims
Drivers have a specific “Duty of Care” towards pedestrians, who are particularly vulnerable in traffic accidents. This responsibility includes being vigilant for pedestrians near the roadway and, if a fatal collision occurs, staying with the victim, alerting emergency responders, and cooperating with authorities investigating the crash.
For those who lose a loved one in a pedestrian accident, filing a Wrongful Death claim with the assistance of an experienced attorney can provide compensation for medical bills, funeral costs, and other related damages.
If the at-fault driver avoids legal consequences, compensation might still be available through a family member’s uninsured driver coverage. Consulting with a personal injury attorney can help determine the best options in such cases.
Partial Liability in Pedestrian Accidents
California Law does not consider pedestrians to have the right-of-way under all circumstances, such as if they attempt to cross outside of a crosswalk. However, motorists are never relieved of the expectation to provide pedestrians with a Duty of Care toward their safety.
It may therefore be determined that a motorist is held only partially liable in a pedestrian accident. If that is the case, they would be financially responsible for the victim’s recovery costs in proportion to their degree of liability.
