Fresno County, CA – On the afternoon of Wednesday, March 18, 2026, a head-on collision resulted in the death of Jesse Hernandez, 72, of Fowler, and major injuries to the driver of the same vehicle, according to the Fresno Bee, with additional reporting from CHP Fatal.
Authorities said a Ford F-250 was traveling eastbound on Central Avenue, approaching DeWolf Avenue, and began slowing to make a left turn onto northbound DeWolf. A Toyota Camry traveling westbound on Central Avenue was approaching the same intersection when the Ford’s driver reportedly initiated the turn without yielding the right-of-way to the oncoming vehicle. The Toyota driver applied the brakes but was unable to avoid the collision, striking the right front of the Ford. A dark gray Toyota sedan was also involved in the crash.
The driver and passenger of the Ford were both wearing seat belts and sustained no injuries. The driver of the Toyota, who was also wearing a seat belt, sustained major injuries. He attempted to flee the scene on foot following the crash, but collapsed a short distance away in a nearby orchard due to the severity of his injuries and was transported to Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno.
Hernandez, who was a right front passenger in the Toyota, sustained critical injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The Fresno County Coroner’s Office formally identified him on Thursday. The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office was notified and responded, and multiple tow trucks were requested for the vehicles involved.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Ongoing Investigations
Victims of traffic accidents and their families should be aware that authorities may fail to note or even misinterpret critical evidence at a crash site. One of the services that a Personal Injury Attorney can provide is to pursue follow-up investigations, which can reveal additional evidence to correct any errors made by previous investigators.
Wrongful Death Claim
Losing a loved one in a traffic accident is devastating, and the pain can be made worse by the financial strain that often follows. Medical bills, funeral costs, and the loss of income to support dependents of the deceased can leave families struggling. Filing a wrongful death claim against those responsible can provide compensation to help with these expenses.
Passenger Liability
Driver liability insurance covers both those outside the vehicle and passengers inside. While it can be emotionally difficult to file a wrongful death claim against someone close to the victim, the financial challenges after an accident can be overwhelming. As a neutral third party, an experienced personal injury attorney can help navigate these emotional complexities.
Fresno Wrongful Death Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, feel free to contact a Fresno Wrongful Death Lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
