A tragic hit-and-run accident has claimed the life of a male pedestrian on Marks Avenue near Highway 180 in Fresno County. The incident, which occurred in the early morning hours of Monday, April 7, 2025, has left local authorities searching for the driver responsible for this fatal collision.
Details of the Incident
According to reports from the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the deadly crash took place around midnight on the southbound side of Marks Avenue near Highway 180. When officers arrived at the scene, they discovered the victim lying on the roadway along Marks Avenue.
Despite emergency response efforts, authorities pronounced the man deceased at the scene. As of this writing, officials have not released the identity of the victim, likely pending notification of next of kin.
Ongoing Investigation
Law enforcement officials are actively investigating this fatal hit-and-run. Currently, no suspect vehicle has been identified as being connected to the incident. The CHP is likely gathering evidence from the scene, reviewing any available surveillance footage, and seeking witnesses who may have been in the area at the time of the collision.
Investigators may also be canvassing local businesses and residences for security camera footage that might have captured the vehicle before or after the incident. Physical evidence such as vehicle fragments, paint transfers, or tire marks could provide crucial clues about the make and model of the vehicle involved.
The CHP is urging anyone who was traveling in the area around midnight on April 7 to come forward with any information, no matter how insignificant it might seem, as it could be vital to identifying the driver responsible for this tragic death.
Legal Implications of Hit-and-Run Accidents
Hit-and-run accidents—where a driver flees the scene without providing information or rendering aid—carry serious legal consequences in California. When these incidents result in death, the penalties become even more severe.
Under California law, drivers involved in accidents resulting in injury or death are legally required to:
- Stop immediately at the scene
- Provide reasonable assistance to injured parties
- Exchange contact and insurance information
- Report the accident to law enforcement
Fleeing the scene of a fatal accident can result in felony charges with penalties including significant prison time, substantial fines, and driver’s license revocation.
Seeking Justice for Victims
For families of hit-and-run victims, the path to justice and compensation can be particularly challenging. When the responsible driver remains unidentified, victims’ families may need to explore alternative avenues for compensation, such as:
- Uninsured motorist coverage from the victim’s own auto insurance policy
- Wrongful death claims if the driver is eventually identified
- Victim compensation programs
For families of hit-and-run victims, the path to justice and compensation can be particularly challenging. When the responsible driver remains unidentified, victims’ families may need to explore alternative avenues for compensation, such as uninsured motorist coverage from the victim’s own auto insurance policy, wrongful death claims if the driver is eventually identified, or victim compensation programs.
An experienced personal injury attorney can help navigate these complex legal waters, working with investigators to uncover crucial evidence and identify all potential sources of compensation. Additionally, attorneys can negotiate with insurance companies on the family’s behalf, ensuring they aren’t pressured into accepting inadequate settlements during grief.
While no amount of financial compensation can ever replace a loved one, holding the responsible party accountable can provide families with a sense of closure and the financial support needed to manage unexpected funeral expenses and lost income.
Community Impact and Safety Concerns
This tragic incident highlights safety concerns for pedestrians, particularly near major highways. The intersection of Marks Avenue and Highway 180 represents one of many potentially dangerous areas where pedestrians and vehicles share close proximity.
Local residents have expressed increased anxiety about safety in the area, with some calling for enhanced street lighting, additional crosswalks, or reduced speed limits to protect vulnerable road users. The fatal hit-and-run has sparked community discussions about pedestrian infrastructure improvements and greater traffic enforcement during late-night hours when visibility is compromised.
Community advocacy groups are urging the county to conduct a thorough safety assessment of the area to identify potential improvements that could prevent similar tragedies. As Fresno County continues to develop, balancing the needs of drivers with the safety of pedestrians remains a critical public safety challenge.
Understanding Hit-and-Run Settlement Calculators
Hit-and-run settlement calculators can serve as valuable preliminary tools for victims and their families when assessing potential compensation values. These digital tools typically consider multiple factors, including medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term disability or impairment resulting from the incident.
While no calculator can provide a definitive settlement amount, these resources help victims understand the potential range of compensation they might reasonably pursue. Settlement calculators can also highlight important categories of damages that victims might otherwise overlook, such as future medical needs or diminished earning capacity.
However, it’s important to note that these calculators provide only estimates—the actual value of a hit-and-run claim will depend on the specific circumstances of the case, the evidence available, the jurisdiction’s laws, and the skill of the legal representation.
Consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney remains the most reliable way to assess the potential value of a hit-and-run claim accurately. Call us at +1 415-986-4777 to talk to the experts.
Moving Forward
“As someone who has dedicated my career to helping accident victims and their families, my heart goes out to those affected by this tragic hit-and-run in Fresno County. If you’ve lost a loved one or been injured in this senseless incident, please know that you don’t have to navigate this difficult time alone. While no legal action can undo the harm that’s been done, pursuing justice can provide some measure of closure and financial stability during recovery. Time is critical in these cases—evidence disappears, witness memories fade, and legal deadlines approach quickly. I strongly encourage you to contact an experienced personal injury attorney who can preserve your rights while you focus on healing. Our team at GJEL is committed to holding negligent drivers accountable and ensuring victims receive the full compensation they deserve.”- Andy Gillin, GJEL Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one has experienced a hit-and-run accident, an experienced GJEL accident attorney can provide a more accurate assessment based on their knowledge of similar cases and current legal precedents. Call us at +1 415-986-4777 or visit our Walnut Creek office to talk to the experts.
Our compassionate GJEL accident attorneys are always available to discuss your case, and you pay nothing unless we win. Let our experienced legal team shoulder the legal burden while you focus on what matters most – your family’s healing and recovery.
Resources and Contact Information
If you have information about this hit-and-run incident or need to report similar incidents in the Fresno area, the following resources may be helpful:
Law Enforcement Contacts
- California Highway Patrol (CHP) – Fresno Area Office
- Phone: (559) 705-2200
- Address: 5179 N. Gates Avenue, Fresno, CA 93722
- Website: CHP Fresno Office
- Fresno Police Department
- Non-Emergency: (559) 621-7000
- Emergency: 911
- Website: Fresno Police Department
- Traffic Bureau: (559) 621-5050
Traffic Accident Reporting
- CHP Traffic Incident Information Page
- Website: CHP Traffic Incident Information
- This resource provides real-time updates on traffic incidents throughout California
- Fresno County Sheriff’s Office
- Phone: (559) 600-3111
- Website: Fresno County Sheriff
Victim Support Resources
- Fresno County Victim Services
- Phone: (559) 600-2240
- Website: Victim Services Division
- California Victim Compensation Board
- Phone: 1-800-777-9229
- Website: CalVCB
- This program can help crime victims, including those affected by hit-and-run incidents, with financial assistance
If you witnessed this incident or have any information that could help identify the driver responsible, please contact the CHP Fresno Area Office immediately. Even small details could be crucial to solving this case and bringing justice to the victim’s family.
Andy Gillin received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of California at Berkeley and his law degree from the University of Chicago. He is the managing partner of GJEL Accident Attorneys and has written and lectured in the field of plaintiffs’ personal injury law for numerous organizations. Since 1972 he has been helping seriously injured victims throughout northern California fight & win their personal injury cases. Andy is one of the top awarded & recognized wrongful death lawyers in northern California.