FRESNO, CA (May 20, 2022) – Monique Contreraz, 29, was killed by Shawn Ginder, 38, when he struck her with his pickup truck as she crossed a street in Fresno. Contreraz became trapped underneath the truck and was dragged for another eight miles according to People Magazine.
On the morning of Friday, the 13th, Contreraz, who was homeless, was pushing a cart across the street with her dog when she was hit by Ginder.
Reports say Ginder stopped at a hotel parking lot where Contreraz became dislodged from the vehicle.
Hotel guests reported seeing the pickup truck drive away from the parking lot and found the body and called 911.
Later that day, Ginder was found by the Madera County Sheriff’s Office in Bass Lake, 50 miles northeast of Fresno, and arrested by police for the fatal hit-and-run accident.
When officers arrived to arrest Ginder, he reportedly jumped from a third-floor window in an attempt to escape and sustained serious injuries as a result. As of earlier this week, he was in the hospital in critical condition.
Contreraz’s boyfriend, Tailor Sanchez, reported to police that her mother happened to die in the same fashion – being dragged to her death by a car.
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 A Santa Rosa Pedestrian Accident
We at West Coast Trial Lawyers extend our deepest condolences to the family of Monique Contreraz. Any person that may have additional 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 Fresno 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 (888) 395-7234.