Pedestrian Died In Fresno Car Accident With Utility Truck Along Belmont Avenue and Parkway Drive West of Highway 99
FRESNO, CALIFORNIA (December 3, 2022) – A pedestrian has tragically died in a central Fresno car accident with a utility truck along Belmont Avenue by Parkway Drive.
Fresno County officials are saying that the accident took place on Thursday morning. A pedestrian was walking when they were hit by a utility truck.
The circumstances leading up to the crash remain unknown at this time. Paramedics were called to the scene of the crash in order to help the victim.
Despite life-saving measures, the pedestrian died as a result of their injuries. A full investigation into the utility truck accident on Belmont Avenue remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Fresno Utility Truck Accidents
Fresno is one of the 10 most dangerous cities in the United States for pedestrians. According to The Business Journal, “From 2010 to 2019, there were 235 pedestrian deaths in the City of Fresno, equivalent to 2.4 annual pedestrian fatalities per 100,000 people. Fresno has a Pedestrian Danger Index of 149.4.” The majority of pedestrian collisions tend to occur at a relatively small number of intersections. There are a number of factors that could contribute to a pedestrian collision.
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Inclement weather
- Driver fatigue
Every driver has a legal obligation to exercise due care in order to avoid pedestrians in the roadway. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 21950, the driver approaching a pedestrian in the road shall reduce their speed and take any other action necessary to safeguard the safety of the pedestrian. When a driver fails to slow down and hits a pedestrian, this could form the basis of a negligence claim.
If the driver of a utility truck was working at the time of a collision, the company that they were working for could be held at fault. In general, companies are liable for the wrongful actions of their employees who were operating within their job duties. For example, a truck driver may have been delivering materials when they were involved in a crash.
It is also possible that a city could potentially be liable for a pedestrian accident. According to California Government Code 835, a city or municipal entity could be liable for a collision if it was caused by a dangerous condition on public property. For example, a tree or structure may have obstructed a driver’s line of sight at an intersection. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any pedestrian accident.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- A thorough, independent investigation should be investigated.
The family of any person that is killed in a pedestrian accident may have legal recourse through a civil claim. Potential beneficiaries will typically include a victim’s spouse and children. Damages can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. Sadly, though, it is common for truck companies to deny all responsibility for an accident. A wrongful death attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Fresno Utility Truck Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of the pedestrian killed in this crash on Belmont Avenue. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. There needs to be a thorough investigation for the sake of the victim’s family.
Do you need more information about a Fresno utility truck accident? Our team of pedestrian safety advocates are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any collision we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
