Fresno, CA — Four people lost their lives and two others were injured in a fiery two-vehicle crash late Friday night, January 10, 2025, at the intersection of Shaw and Floyd Avenues, according to The Fresno Bee.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reports that the accident took place around 10:35 PM when a Ford Econoline van, traveling south on Floyd Avenue, stopped at a stop sign but then entered the intersection without yielding to a westbound Nissan Altima on Shaw Avenue.
The Nissan collided with the driver’s side of the van, forcing both vehicles off the roadway and onto the southwest shoulder of the intersection. The impact caused both vehicles to catch fire, according to investigators.
The driver and a passenger in the Ford, as well as the driver and a passenger in the Nissan, were pronounced dead at the scene. Their identities have not yet been released pending family notification.
Two male passengers in the Nissan, aged 32 and 35, managed to escape the car before it became fully engulfed in flames. They sustained moderate injuries and were treated at the scene by emergency responders.
CHP officials reported that driver intoxication is suspected to have been a contributing factor in the collision.
California DUI Law
Section 23153(a) of the California Vehicle Code (CVC) states that it is illegal for any driver to “Operate a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs and, as a result, cause bodily injury to someone else.”
Wrongful Death Claims
Even if a fatal accident doesn’t lead to criminal charges, families who lose a loved one can still file a Wrongful Death claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance. This compensation can help cover medical bills, funeral costs, and lost income that the family depended on.
However, insurance companies will always try to pay as little as possible, making it difficult for families to receive the full amount they deserve. So, having an experienced personal injury attorney is essential to receive fair compensation and justice for your loved one.
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, feel free to contact Maison Law for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.