Pedestrian accidents are already some of the most catastrophic accidents that occur on our roads. However, they are made even more severe when a driver flees the scene of an accident without stopping. Unfortunately, this is the reality that many families face each year when a hit-and-run accident occurs and leads to an unexpected fatality. If you have suffered the loss of a loved one in one of these accidents, it is crucial that you speak with an attorney who has handled these claims for families previously.
One Killed in Pedestrian Crash Near First Street and Gettysburg Avenue
On Friday night, a pedestrian was tragically killed in a hit-and-run accident at a park. The accident, according to Your Central Valley, took place around 8:15 p.m. at Cary Park near the intersection of First Street and Gettysburg Avenue on the night of May 3, 2024.
Fresno Police initially saw a vehicle in the area of the intersection and attempted to issue a traffic stop due to reasons that are not yet known. The vehicle did not come to a stop, which is when a short pursuit took place. Police quickly cancelled the pursuit but the vehicle continued to flee the area and hopped a curb at Cary Park. The vehicle then slammed into two people at the baseball field in the park.
Paramedics and numerous other responders were immediately dispatched to the scene. One of the pedestrians was taken to the hospital with critical injuries. The other victim was tragically pronounced dead on scene due to traumatic injuries.
Police confirmed that, following the collision, the driver fled through the parking lot and went into a nearby neighborhood. They crashed their vehicle and then exited the vehicle, fleeing on foot. Police did not say if they caught the responsible driver at this time.
No further details have been released but the investigation into the collision continues.
Support for Families After a Fatal Fresno Pedestrian Accident
Hit-and-run accidents come with many complexities. In many of these cases, a driver is not found by police. When this happens, a family has to seek damages from uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. However, if the driver is found, a family has the choice to file a wrongful death lawsuit to recover damages.
Through an insurance claim or a wrongful death lawsuit, there are certain damages that a family may be eligible to receive. These include the following:
- Medical expenses incurred before a loved one’s passing
- Lost income/Loss of future earnings
- Pain and suffering damages
- Funeral or burial-related expenses
- Punitive damages in certain cases
There are deadlines to keep in mind at these times known as the statute of limitations. In California, you have two years from the time of your loved one’s passing to file a lawsuit before you are barred from doing so. This is why it is important that you act quickly to protect your rights following a hit-and-run pedestrian accident in Fresno.
Contact a Fresno Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today
It can be difficult to face the aftermath of a fatal pedestrian accident on your own. As you deal with the grief of a fatal accident, you should not have to face the many bills that pile up against you. You should be able to focus on the well-being of your family during these challenging times.
As you grieve your losses, it can be beneficial to speak with a Fresno pedestrian accident lawyer who has your best interests in mind. At Maison Law, we will help you deal with the stressful aspects of your claim so that you do not have to face them on your own. Please contact us today for more information on how we can help you in your time of need. We offer you a free and no-obligation case review.
