September 5, 2025, Hilmar, CA: One person tragically lost their life in a pedestrian accident involving a suspected DUI driver in Hilmar on Friday.
According to Your Central Valley, the accident happened around 11:20 p.m. in the southbound lanes of Highway 165 near the area of Third Street. Police confirmed that a pedestrian was walking in the area when they were struck by a driver in a dark Chevrolet pickup truck. The pedestrian was knocked onto the side of the road. Police say the driver was allegedly traveling at a high rate of speed at the time of the crash. The driver continued on after the accident.
The pedestrian, identified as a 64-year-old man, sustained severe injuries in the accident. He was tragically pronounced dead on scene.
Around 11:40 p.m., Los Banos Police stopped a Chevrolet with front-end damage on Highway 165. The driver, identified as 40-year-old Angel Ortega, was arrested. He was determined to be under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident. They have since arrested him on charges of murder, felony DUI, and felony hit-and-run.
No further details have been released. The investigation into the accident continues at this time.
Assistance for Families Following Fatal Hilmar Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrians are the most vulnerable parties on California roads. Because of this, an accident can be absolutely devastating, even taking the life of those involved. When families lose a loved one, it can cause immense grief. But on top of that, it can also affect them financially during an already-difficult time. If you have lost someone you love in a fatal pedestrian accident, it is imperative that you speak with an attorney that you can trust. They may be able to help you obtain compensation for some of the following aspects:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of income within a household
- Punitive damages
- Loss of consortium and companionship
Contact a Hilmar Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
At Maison Law, our Atwater personal injury lawyers assisting victims in Hilmar are here for you and your family. We understand the enormous grief you are feeling after losing a loved one in a pedestrian accident. Fortunately, we have the resources you need to get back on your feet financially at this time. Our attorneys offer you a no-obligation case consultation that will help you obtain compensation for a variety of losses you may be experiencing. Please contact us today for a free case review to get started.