Fresno County, CA (August 23, 2023) 1 person is dead and 3 others are injured after a 4-vehicle collision on Tuesday afternoon. The California Highway Patrol said that collision started all because of distracted driving. It happened around 3:30 p.m. at Goodfellow Avenue, west of Vista Avenue in Fresno County.
Mike Salas, California Highway Patrol spokesman, said a Dinuba woman, age 26, is believed to be responsible for hitting 3 other vehicles. He compared it to a pinball machine, as her car hit one car and then slammed into another.
Among this ping-pong-like collision, was a head-on collision with a 58-year-old Reedley man, who died in the crash. He was transported to a Adventist Hospital, but later died from his injuries.
Have you or someone you know been injured in an accident? Reach out to us at any time at 844-966-0965
California Highway Patrol said the distracted driver, identified as Anise Huerta, was not paying attention at the wheel of her Chevy Silverado. They said she closed in on a Toyota Camry that was slowing and to avoiding rear-ending the vehicle, she swerved into oncoming traffic. She still managed to hit the Camry.
Huerta’s Silverado then collided head-on with a BMW, driven by the Reedly man, who was killed. The force of the head-on collision caused the Chevy to go back in the eastbound lane on Goodfellow, where it crashed into a Hyundai Accent.
Huerta was transported to Kaiser Hospital with minor to moderate injuries. The driver of the Accent, a 24-year-old woman from Fowler, was taken to another local hospital with minor to moderate injuries. The 49-year-old Camry driver declined medical attention.
California Highway Patrol said that Huerta will most likely being facing charges and an investigation is ongoing.
Liability In Fresno County Car Accidents
Despite improved safety measures for cars, motor vehicle accidents remain one of the leading causes of serious injury and death in the United States. According to the CDC, “more than 32,000 people are killed and 2 million are injured each year from motor vehicle crashes.” There are a number of factors that could potentially contribute to a car accident including:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Inclement weather
- Dangerous turns
- Poorly designed roadways
All drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care in order to avoid causing accidents. This is especially true for commercial drivers that work for a city. A number of collisions are due to drivers that make dangerous left turns. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 21801, the driver of any vehicle intending to turn left must yield the right of way traveling from the opposite direction close enough to pose a hazard.
If a negligent driver worked for a city, that city could potentially be liable in the event of an accident. Generally speaking, employers are vicariously liable for the negligent actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. There are a number of steps that should be taken after a car accident.
- Photos of the accident site should be taken.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- A thorough independent investigation should be conducted.
The family of any victim that has died in a car accident may have legal recourse through a bodily injury claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and funeral expenses. It is essential that evidence is properly preserved after a car accident. A car accident attorney can examine all of the facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Fresno County Car Accident
We at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the family of the person killed in this collision. Any person that may have information about what happened should reach out to the police. A thorough investigation must be conducted for the sake of all who have lost so much.
Do you need more information about a Fresno County car accident? Our team of personal injury lawyers are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that negligent drivers are held to account for their actions. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (844) 966-0965.
