A devastating hit-and-run collision has left a male pedestrian fighting for his life in Fresno, raising concerns about pedestrian safety and driver accountability in the area. The incident occurred in the early morning hours of January 5, 2024, leaving the victim with critical injuries while the responsible driver remains at large.
Details of the Incident
The hit-and-run collision occurred at the intersection of Shields and Wilson Avenues in Fresno during the early morning hours of January 5, 2024. At approximately 3:51 a.m., a time when visibility is typically limited and traffic is sparse, the male pedestrian was struck by an unknown vehicle whose driver immediately fled the scene without stopping to render aid or call emergency services.
When Fresno Police Department officers arrived, they found the victim lying injured on the roadway, indicating the severity of the impact. The location of the incident – a major intersection in Fresno – suggests potential surveillance footage from nearby businesses could be crucial to the investigation.
Emergency medical services promptly responded to the scene and transported the victim to a local hospital in critical condition. The driver’s decision to flee not only violated California law but also potentially delayed crucial medical care for the victim during the critical “golden hour” following trauma. The intersection’s characteristics, lighting conditions, and any contributing environmental factors will likely be key elements in the ongoing police investigation.
Legal Implications of Hit-and-Run Accidents
Hit-and-run accidents carry severe legal consequences in California. Drivers who flee the scene of an accident causing injury can face:
- Felony charges with potential prison time
- Substantial fines and penalties
- License suspension or revocation
- Civil liability for damages
- Enhanced penalties due to failure to render aid
Under California Vehicle Code Section 20001, leaving the scene of an accident resulting in injury or death is a serious criminal offense that can have devastating legal consequences for the perpetrator. The driver who fled the Shields and Wilson Avenues collision could face felony charges carrying significant prison time, fines up to $10,000, and a strike under California’s Three Strikes Law.
If the victim’s injuries result in permanent disability or death, the penalties become even more severe. Beyond criminal charges, the fleeing driver faces potential civil liability for all damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. California’s civil courts may also award punitive damages in hit-and-run cases to punish especially egregious conduct.
Additionally, the driver’s flight can be used as evidence of consciousness of guilt in both criminal and civil proceedings. Insurance companies typically void coverage for drivers who flee accident scenes, leaving them personally liable for all damages. Even after a driver serves criminal penalties, they may face ongoing civil consequences, including license suspension, mandatory restitution payments, and civil judgments that cannot be discharged through bankruptcy.
Victim’s Rights and Legal Options
The injured pedestrian may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Rehabilitation costs
- Emotional distress damages
Even without an identified driver, victims of hit-and-run accidents have legal options through:
- Uninsured motorist coverage
- Crime victim compensation programs
- Personal injury protection insurance
- Medical payment coverage
Victims of hit-and-run accidents in Fresno have specific legal rights and options for pursuing compensation, even when the responsible driver remains unidentified. Under California law, victims can seek compensation through their own uninsured motorist coverage (UM), which typically extends to hit-and-run incidents.
This coverage can provide substantial compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The victim may also be eligible for compensation through the California Victim Compensation Program (CalVCP), which provides financial assistance to victims of violent crimes, including hit-and-run accidents.
Additionally, if the at-fault driver is eventually identified, the victim can pursue a personal injury lawsuit within California’s two-year statute of limitations from the date of the accident. Victims must document all medical treatment, maintain records of lost wages, and photograph all injuries.
Even if the suspect is never found, victims can work with experienced personal injury attorneys to explore all available avenues for compensation, including claims against property owners if poor lighting or hazardous conditions contributed to the accident. Legal professionals can also help victims navigate complex insurance claims, ensure proper documentation of damages, and protect their rights throughout the recovery process.
Investigation and Law Enforcement Response
The Fresno Police Department is actively investigating this hit-and-run collision. Key aspects of the investigation likely include:
- Reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses
- Gathering witness statements
- Collecting physical evidence from the scene
- Analyzing debris patterns
- Checking local body shops for vehicles with suspicious damage
Public Safety Concerns
This incident highlights several critical public safety issues:
- The dangers of nighttime pedestrian travel
- The importance of driver responsibility
- The need for enhanced street lighting and safety features
- The ongoing problem of hit-and-run accidents in urban areas
Steps for Those with Information
Anyone with information about this incident should:
- Contact the Fresno Police Department immediately
- Report any suspicious vehicle damage they observe
- Share any surveillance footage or photos from the area
- Come forward with witness accounts, even if they seem minor
Legal Guidance for Hit-and-Run Victims
If you or a loved one has been involved in a hit-and-run accident:
- Seek immediate medical attention
- Report the incident to police
- Document all medical treatment and expenses
- Contact an experienced personal injury attorney
- Preserve any evidence from the scene
- Keep detailed records of all accident-related expenses
Victims of hit-and-run accidents should take immediate steps to protect their legal rights and maximize their potential for compensation. First, even if injuries seem minor, seek immediate medical attention as some injuries may not be immediately apparent but could worsen over time. Document everything related to the incident, including photographs of injuries, medical bills, prescription costs, and any lost wages due to missed work.
Working with an experienced hit-and-run accident attorney can help ensure you meet all necessary deadlines, properly document your damages, and pursue maximum compensation for your injuries through all available channels. Additionally, an attorney can coordinate with law enforcement to stay updated on any developments in identifying the hit-and-run driver, preserving your right to pursue additional claims if the responsible party is found.
Hit-and-run accident settlement calculators are crucial tools for victims and their families to gain preliminary insight into potential compensation values. These calculators consider various factors including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. While no calculator can provide an exact settlement amount, given the unique circumstances of each case, these tools help victims understand the scope of their claims and prevent them from accepting inadequate settlement offers from insurance companies.
However, it’s important to note that factors such as the severity of injuries, long-term impact on quality of life, and the defendant’s level of negligence can significantly affect the final settlement value. Experienced GJEL hit-and-run attorneys can provide a more accurate assessment based on their knowledge of similar cases and current legal precedents. Call us now at +1 415-986-4777 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.
Prevention and Community Response
The community can help prevent similar incidents by:
- Supporting increased traffic enforcement
- Advocating for better street lighting
- Promoting pedestrian safety awareness
- Installing additional traffic cameras
- Encouraging responsible driving behaviours
This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the importance of driver responsibility and the severe consequences of hit-and-run accidents. Anyone with information about this collision is urged to contact the Fresno Police Department to help bring justice to the victim and their family.
Moving Forward
“As someone who has spent over 40 years advocating for hit-and-run victims, I understand the profound trauma and sense of injustice you’re experiencing. Being left injured on the road by a fleeing driver is not just physically devastating – it’s a violation of basic human decency. If you or a loved one were involved in this tragic incident at Shields and Wilson Avenues, please understand that you have rights and options, even if the driver hasn’t been found. Don’t let concerns about medical bills or insurance coverage prevent you from getting the care you need. Our firm has extensive experience helping hit-and-run victims access compensation through uninsured motorist coverage and victim compensation programs. The first 72 hours after such an incident are crucial for gathering evidence and protecting your rights. Let us help you navigate this challenging time while you focus on your recovery. Remember, you’re not alone in this fight for justice.” – Andy Gillin, Founding Partner, GJEL Accident Attorneys
For victims of hit-and-run accidents, it’s crucial to understand that legal options exist even when the responsible driver hasn’t been identified. Consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney can help victims understand their rights and pursue all available avenues for compensation.
GJEL offers free consultations and charges no fees unless we win your case. Our experienced team is available 24/7 to protect your rights and help you navigate the complex aftermath of an accident. At GJEL, we ensure all evidence is properly preserved and all potential sources of compensation are thoroughly investigated while families focus on healing. Talk to an experienced GJEL accident attorney for a free legal consultation. Call us now at +1 415-986-4777 or visit our Sacramento office to talk to the experts.
Resources and Emergency Contacts
For those with information about the hit-and-run incident at Shields and Wilson Avenues, or those seeking assistance, the following resources are available:
Fresno Police Department
- Traffic Collision Investigation Unit: (559) 621-5066
- Hit-and-Run Investigations: (559) 621-5050
- Non-Emergency Line: (559) 621-7000
- Address: 2323 Mariposa Street, Fresno, CA 93721
- Website: www.fresno.gov/police/traffic-bureau
Report Information About This Hit-and-Run:
- Anonymous Tips: Valley Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-STOP (7867)
- Traffic Bureau Direct Line: (559) 621-5050
- Email: FPDHitandRun@fresno.gov
Emergency Services:
- For immediate emergencies: Dial 911
- Fresno Police Department Dispatch: (559) 621-7000
- Traffic Collision Reports: www.fresno.gov/police/report-traffic-collision
Additional Resources:
- California Victim Compensation Program: (800) 777-9229
- Fresno County District Attorney’s Victim Services: (559) 600-3400
- Fresno County Superior Court: (559) 457-2000
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.