Fresno, CA – A man lost his life after being struck by two different vehicles Wednesday night, October 16, 2024, in Fresno, according to KSEE.
Officers were dispatched to the area of Olive and Villa Avenues around 8:10 PM after receiving reports of a pedestrian accident. Upon arrival, authorities discovered that a man, believed to be in his 20s and experiencing homelessness, had been hit by a vehicle while walking in the roadway.
The incident occurred in a poorly lit section of Olive Avenue, which may have contributed to making it more difficult for drivers to spot him. The man was reportedly carrying several belongings and may have been blocking the roadway when the accident occurred.
According to police, the first driver, who was heading west on Olive Avenue, struck the man and immediately pulled over to remain on the scene. Tragically, while the pedestrian was down, a second vehicle—described as a mid-sized sedan—ran over the man as well. The second driver did not stop and fled the scene.
Investigators have confirmed that neither drugs nor alcohol appear to have played a role in the incident. Police are continuing their investigation and are asking anyone with information to come forward.
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.
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.