Fresno, CA — A naked man walking on Highway 99 was struck and killed by a big rig early Wednesday morning, October 9, 2024, according to The Fresno Bee.
The accident occurred just after 4 AM on the northbound side of Highway 99, near McKinley Avenue.
California Highway Patrol (CHP) officials say a 911 call came in around 4:10 AM reporting a man walking in the slow lane of the highway while not wearing any clothes. Just minutes later, a second call reported that the man had been hit by a vehicle. A 51-year-old driver operating a 2024 Peterbilt big rig was traveling north in the number three lane, the slowest lane, when he encountered the pedestrian. Despite the driver’s attempts to swerve out of the way, he was unable to avoid the fatal collision.
The man was thrown to the eastern shoulder of the highway and was pronounced dead at the scene. He has not yet been identified. The driver of the semi-truck immediately pulled over to the shoulder and cooperated with police. The CHP has confirmed that the driver was not impaired by drugs or alcohol.
It remains unclear whether the pedestrian was under the influence of any substances at the time of the accident. The crash resulted in traffic delays, with the northbound side of Highway 99 near Clinton Avenue reduced to fewer lanes for several hours as investigators worked the scene.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision.
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.
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.
