Fresno, CA — Officials have identified the pedestrian who was fatally struck by a vehicle near an In-N-Out on Saturday, October 26, 2024, as 34-year-old Rudy Reyes, according to KSEE.
The incident occurred around 8 PM at the intersection of Blackstone and Swift Avenues. Fresno Police reported that Reyes had stepped into the northbound lanes of Blackstone Avenue when a vehicle collided with him. Officers arrived at the scene and administered CPR before Reyes was transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition.
Detectives confirmed that the driver remained on scene and showed no signs of impairment from drugs or alcohol.
Reyes passed away in the hospital on October 28, according to the Fresno County Coroner’s Office.
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.
Partial Liability in Pedestrian Accidents
California Law does not consider pedestrians having the right-of-way under all circumstances, such as if they attempt to cross outside a crosswalk. However, motorists are never relieved of the expectation to provide pedestrians with a Duty of Care toward their safety.
Therefore, a motorist may be 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.
