Fresno, CA – On the morning of Monday, July 13, 2026, a rear-end collision resulted in the death of Daniel Martinez, 63, according to ABC30.
The Fresno Police Department reports that the accident took place late in the morning at the intersection of Maple and Gettysburg Avenues.
Authorities said a white Ford F-150 rear-ended a black car driven by Martinez, who died in the collision. Video obtained by ABC30 showed the black vehicle spinning out of control after impact and crashing into the back of a parked Kia, with smoke visible from the sedan’s tires as the driver appeared to lose control.
The Kia was pushed several feet forward, while the Ford sustained severe front-end damage and came to rest in the middle of the street. A third vehicle was also damaged. The driver of the Ford was transported to a hospital.
Police said speed was a factor in the collision. A neighbor, Martin Reyes, said he was awakened by the sound of the crash and rushed outside to help after learning someone was in the vehicle. Reyes and other neighbors said they believed the Ford had been traveling at a high rate of speed based on the sound of the screeching brakes, and residents said they have observed frequent speeding along Gettysburg Avenue despite the posted limit.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Fresno Car Accidents and Wrongful Death Claims
California law requires drivers to maintain a safe following distance and travel at speeds appropriate to roadway and traffic conditions. When a driver’s excessive speed leads to a rear-end collision resulting in death, that driver may bear liability for the resulting damages.
Regardless of the findings of the investigation, Martinez’s family may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim. A wrongful death claim can provide the family with compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, loss of consortium, and other damages related to the fatal accident.
Fresno Wrongful Death Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, at Maple and Gettysburg Avenues, contact a California wrongful death lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
