Fresno County, CA – On the evening of Monday, July 20, 2026, a pedestrian hit-and-run resulted in the death of Dominic Chavez, 49, of Fowler, near Malaga, according to KSEE/KGPE.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident took place around 10:20 PM on southbound Golden State Boulevard south of Central Avenue.
Authorities said Chavez was walking in the roadway when he was struck by one or more vehicles. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office formally identified him following his death. Investigators believe at least one of the vehicles involved may be a white 2018-2023 Toyota Camry.
At 11:00 PM, Fresno Police responded to a vehicle fire at Jensen and Maple Avenues, where investigators recovered a burned white 2008 Infiniti G37. CHP is actively working to determine whether the Infiniti was involved in the fatal crash.
Anyone with information regarding the case is asked to contact the California Highway Patrol. The investigation remains ongoing.
California Hit-and-Run Laws
California Law requires drivers involved in a collision to stop their vehicle, notify law enforcement, and exchange insurance information with others involved. Failure to do so, considered to be a “hit-and-run,” is a misdemeanor in cases of property damage and a felony when someone has been injured.
Fresno County Hit-and-Run Accidents and Wrongful Death Claims
California law requires drivers involved in any collision to stop, render aid, and remain at the scene to cooperate with law enforcement. A driver who flees the scene of a fatal crash faces significant criminal exposure in addition to civil liability, and a driver who violates this duty may be considered to have committed negligence per se, increasing their share of liability in the collision.
Regardless of the outcome of the investigation, Chavez’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.
Partial Liability in Pedestrian Accidents
California Law does not consider pedestrians to have the right-of-way under all circumstances, such as when they attempt to cross outside of a crosswalk. However, motorists are never relieved of the expectation to provide pedestrians with a duty of care toward their safety.
It may therefore be determined that a motorist is subject to partial liability in a pedestrian accident. Should that be the case, they would be financially responsible for the victim’s recovery costs in proportion to their degree of liability.
Fresno County Wrongful Death Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, on Golden State Boulevard near Central Avenue, contact a California wrongful death lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
