Male Pedestrian Killed In Fresno Crane Accident By The Intersection of Belmont Avenue and Parkway Drive
FRESNO, CALIFORNIA (December 3, 2022) – A male pedestrian has tragically died in a Fresno crane accident not far from the intersection of Belmont Avenue and Parkway Drive.
Fresno County officials are saying that the accident took place around 10:00 a.m. on Thursday. A male pedestrian was trying to cross the roadway when he was run over by a crane making a turn onto Belmont Avenue.
Police officers are saying that the driver of the crane did not see the man before he ran him over. Paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victim.
Sadly, the male pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene.
Liability For Fresno Crane Accidents
Accidents involving cranes may seem like freak occurrences. But they are far more common than many people may realize. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, around 44 people die in crane accidents each year. Most of these accidents take place at construction sites. There are a number of factors that can make cranes particularly dangerous.
- Cranes have large blind spots that can easily obscure the presence of pedestrians.
- Cranes weigh several times more than passenger vehicles.
- Cranes have a high center of gravity and can be prone to tipping over.
Crane operators in every state are required to hold a nationally credited crane operator license. As such, crane operators are held to a high standard in terms of safety. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 21950, the driver of any vehicle shall reduce their speed and take any other action necessary to safeguard the safety of a pedestrian in the roadway. If a crane operator fails to slow down and hits a pedestrian, this could form the basis of a negligence claim.
When a crane operator is negligent and hits a pedestrian, their employer could face liability for the crash. Employers are typically liable for the wrongful actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. Most cranes are used in active construction sites. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any crane accident.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- A thorough investigation should be conducted.
It can be difficult to know where to begin after any accident with a construction vehicle. But it is important for accident victims to know that they do have rights. They have the right to know what happened. The family of any pedestrian that is killed in a crane accident may have recourse through a wrongful death claim. It is extremely important that evidence is properly preserved after any collision. Evidence is what will ultimately be used to determine liability for a collision regardless of what anyone may say.
Investigating A Fresno Construction Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of the man that died in this Fresno crane accident. 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. It is our sincere hope that steps will be taken to prevent other accidents like this.
Do you need more information about a Fresno construction site accident? There are a number of laws designed to protect your rights. 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 incident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
