Fresno, CA (March 18, 2024) – A tragic accident in northeast Fresno has resulted in the deaths of two individuals when their electric car collided with a guardrail in the early hours of Monday. The Fresno County Coroner’s Office has identified the victims as 24-year-old Jason Phillips, believed to be the driver, and 32-year-old passenger Chase McCutcheon.
Incident Details: The crash occurred around 1:45 a.m. on March 18, near the vicinity of Copper Avenue, east of Willow Avenue, close to Clovis North High School. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the Tesla electric vehicle was traveling westbound on Copper Avenue at a high rate of speed when it failed to navigate a slight turn, striking a raised cement curb, guardrail, and street sign, which caused the vehicle to overturn.
Lack of Seatbelt Use and DUI Suspected: It was reported that both Phillips and McCutcheon were not wearing seatbelts at the time of the accident, leading to them being ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene. A third passenger, who was wearing a seatbelt, sustained injuries and was transported to the hospital. The CHP has indicated that driving under the influence of alcohol, following St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, appears to be a contributing factor in this devastating crash.
Legal and Safety Implications: This incident highlights the critical importance of seatbelt use and the dangers of driving under the influence. The investigation into the crash will further examine the circumstances leading up to the accident, including the speed of the vehicle and the driver’s alcohol consumption. Ultimately, the family of the Chase may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim and the other injured passenger could have a personal injury case due to the circumstances of the accident. While the driver and passengers likely knew each other, the financial burden on the surviving passenger and Chase’s family could be significant. This makes for an emotionally-charged case that may benefit from the assistance of an adept car accident attorney.
My thoughts are with the families and friends of the victims during this difficult time. The tragic outcome of this crash underscores the need for collective efforts to promote road safety during holidays, especially St. Patrick’s Day. I hope that the families and the surviving victim receive the support they need.
Source: KSEE