A male pedestrian was killed, and another female pedestrian was injured following a suspected DUI collision in Fresno on early Wednesday morning, February 7, 2024.

According to the Fresno Police Department, the deadly incident happened at around 1:35 a.m. at Fern and Maroa Avenues in the Tower District.

FPD states that a Ford Fiesta suddenly veered off the roadway and went through the parking lot on the north side of the Dollar Tree, hitting the two victims.

The male pedestrian suffered severe injuries and died at the scene, while the female victim was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. It is reported that the two are among the members of the unhoused community.

Authorities later identified the driver of the Ford Fiesta as a woman in her 20s but did not give a name. The crash was allegedly caused by alcohol consumption.

Police have taken the driver into custody on DUI and death charges.

Renowned Fresno DUI Accident Victim Lawyers

Following a DUI accident, experiencing feelings such as fear, wrath, or suspicion is normal. The negligent party is responsible for paying the victim’s medical bills, missed wages, and other financial expenses.

Get legal guidance from our experts specializing in DUI accidents, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., who can assist you in evaluating your case.

Our renowned Fresno DUI accident victim lawyers will do everything possible to advocate for your claim and safeguard your rights. Being one of the largest law companies specializing in personal injury cases in California, we have successfully obtained over $500 Million in compensation for our clients.

To arrange a free initial consultation with one of our attorneys, please dial (888) 488-1391 or fill out our “Do I Have a Case?” form.

Ways to Protect Yourself After Being a Victim of a DUI Accident

Insurance providers support the majority of claims related to accidents caused by drunk driving. One of the critical things you should be aware of is that the insurance provider is always impartial. Please keep in mind that their top priority is to safeguard their financial interests — they are focused on their earnings and not on providing complete and equitable compensation to you and your family.

Insurance firms invest significant money in training personnel to defend company interests. Following a major DUI collision, you can receive a phone call or inquiry from the insurance company of the driver at fault. Exercise caution while considering this kind of request. Regardless of their pleasant manner, an insurance adjuster is not on your side. They are not concerned about your best interests, and you cannot depend on them for guidance.

Our Fresno DUI accident victim attorneys have gathered our top seven suggestions for handling the insurance company following an injury in a drunk-driving crash.

1. Remain Composed and Contact The Authorities. Make it a priority to get prompt medical care and reach out to the appropriate authorities to handle any injuries you may have suffered.
2. Gather Information. Capture images of your injuries and any indications of negligence, and create thorough records of the incident. Make sure to get information from any witnesses who were there during the accident.
3. Never Admit or Accept the Blame. In DUI incidents, insurance companies frequently assign some blame to the injured victim. If they can do that, it will enable them to decrease their liability. This implies that funds are being deducted directly from their finances. Never acknowledge or take responsibility for any of the mistakes in a DUI accident. An intoxicated driver should be responsible for their wrongdoing. Furthermore, victims are advised against openly discussing the issue of fault with an insurance adjuster.
4. Avoid Making a Statement. You are not required to provide a documented statement to the insurance company right away following an accident. You may receive numerous phone calls from an insurance adjuster requesting a statement. The reason for this is straightforward: they want to gather information that might be used against you during the claims procedure. Remain silent. Your words might be manipulated or misunderstood. Arrange for communication between you and the insurance company to be conducted via your attorney.
5. Avoid Early Settlement Negotiations. Regarding DUI accident lawsuits, insurers frequently find it challenging to dodge liability completely. Therefore, they change their strategies. When responsibility is evident, insurance companies restrict the amount of compensation given to an injured person. One typical strategy is to propose a fast, underestimated payment to the victim of the DUI accident. Don’t accept a settlement that is less than what you deserve. Allow your DUI accident victim attorney to handle negotiations for a settlement.
6. Do Not Sign Any Documents. It is advisable to seek legal advice before signing any documents from an insurance company. Frequently, insurance companies will request wounded individuals to sign a complete release of their medical records. Ignore their assertion that a paper is ‘standard procedure.’ They are seeking information to utilize to decrease your compensation. You might not have to provide them with complete access to your records. Your attorney will ensure that your rights are protected.
7. Work With Experienced DUI Accident Victim Lawyers. There is no need to confront a large insurance company by yourself. A significant amount is at stake in most DUI accident injury claims. Insurance businesses will allocate money to discover methods to decrease your settlement. To promptly protect your rights, it is advisable to cooperate only with the insurance company after engaging with a skilled lawyer specializing in California DUI accidents. You are entitled to legal representation. Utilize it.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

DUI Accidents Statistics

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drunk driving accidents in the US result in the deaths of 32 individuals every day, which is equivalent to one death every 45 minutes. In 2020, intoxicated drivers were responsible for 11,654 fatalities in traffic accidents, marking a 14% rise compared to the previous year.

From 2016 to 2017, there was a 5.8% increase in fatal road accidents connected to intoxication. Driving under the influence of alcohol puts everyone on the road at significant risk. Each year, intoxicated drivers consume almost 2 billion gallons of fuel unnecessarily.

In California, 949 individuals lost their lives in 2019 as a result of driving under the influence. This is 2.4 out of every 100,000 people, while the national rate is 3.1 out of every 100,000.