Fresno, CA (September 14, 2023) – 70 year-old Thomas Zapata has been identified as the victim of fatal pedestrian accident in Fresno that occurred on Saturday, September 9th. The accident was reported at First Street and Bullard Avenue.
A teenage driver was travelling north and attempted to make a left turn at the intersection when they struck Zapata. Zapata was severely injured by the collision and later died of his injuries in the hospital.
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The driver initially stayed and cooperated with police, with reports indicating that he was not under the influence at the time of the accident. But police have been unable to locate the driver since the incident.
The investigation into the death of Thomas Zapata is still underway.
Liability In Fresno Pedestrian Accidents
Thousands of pedestrians are killed or seriously injured every year in pedestrian accidents. According to the Centers for Disease Control, “An estimated 137,000 pedestrians were treated in emergency departments for nonfatal crash-related injuries in 2017. Per trip, pedestrians are 1.5 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to be killed in a car crash.” There are a number of factors that could lead to a pedestrian collision including:
- Speeding
- Drunk driving
- Driver distraction
- Inclement weather
All drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care in order to avoid hitting pedestrians. The family of any victim that died in a pedestrian collision may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. A wrongful death attorney can examine all of the facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating the Death of Thomas Zapata
We at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to Thomas Zapata’s family. Any person that may have information about what happened should reach out to police. There needs to be some accountability for what happened.
Have you or someone that you care about been injured in a car accident? Our team of personal injury attorneys 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 assistance after an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (844) 966-0965.