Fresno is home to various highways such as Highway 41, Highway 180, and Highway 99 among many others. The unfortunate truth is that traffic is heavy and difficult to navigate on these highways at certain times throughout the day, especially in Fresno where the population is quite high. In the blink of an eye, a hit-and-run accident could occur and cause serious harm to those involved on any of these busy roads.
When a hit-and-run accident occurs, a driver breaks the law by fleeing the scene without stopping to check on involved parties. This means that drivers and passengers are unable to receive immediate medical attention, which can quickly lead to catastrophic injuries or death. If you have lost a loved one in a fatal hit-and-run collision, it is crucial that you understand your options moving forward with a claim.
Fatal Hit-and-Run Accident on Highway 99 in Fresno Takes One Life
An elderly man on his way home for his last round of chemotherapy was killed in a fatal hit-and-run accident on Highway 99 in Fresno. ABC 30 reported that the collision happened around 3 p.m. on Monday, December 11, 2023.
California Highway Patrol responded to the scene, where they discovered that a vehicle struck a pickup truck on Highway 99. A 77-year-old man was riding in a pickup truck being driven by his wife on his way home from his last round of chemotherapy. A driver in a Chrysler 200 suddenly lost control of their vehicle, slamming into the pickup truck. This caused the pickup truck to veer into the center divider. The driver of the Chrysler then fled the scene.
Both of the parties inside the pickup truck were rushed to the hospital with serious injuries. The male passenger was tragically pronounced dead at the hospital due to the severity of his injuries.
Police claim that they did not find the driver responsible for the accident as of yet. They will, however, be facing charges of felony hit-and-run.
No further details have been provided but police continue their investigation into the circumstances of the collision.
Support for Families Who Have Lost a Loved One in a Fresno Hit-and-Run Crash
Though every fatal accident is incredibly traumatic, hit-and-run accidents affect families in a variety of ways. Knowing that a driver fled the scene of your loved one’s accident can leave you angry and confused. As you grieve, you should not have to worry about the stress associated with the many bills that pile up against you.
If the driver responsible for your loved one’s accident is never caught, you may have to take to your loved one’s uninsured motorist coverage for compensation. However, if the police catch the liable driver, they may not only face charges but you can also bring a wrongful death claim against them for your losses. Some of the damages that may be available for your family include:
- Medical bills your loved one incurred before passing
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of consortium or companionship
- Punitive damages in some cases
It is important that you understand your legal options, which is why speaking with a legal advocate may be in your best interests.
Contact a Fresno Wrongful Death Lawyer Today
After losing a loved one in a fatal hit-and-run accident, you may be left with questions that you cannot answer on your own. You and your family have options for financial recovery as you are dealing with the adverse emotions that come with wrongful deaths.
At Maison Law, our Fresno wrongful death lawyers will compassionately handle your case with the knowledge and resources that you need. We will help you achieve the financial support that you need to get back on your feet during these challenging times. Please do not hesitate to contact us today for a completely free and confidential case review for you and your family.
