Fresno, CA (November 19, 2024) – On the evening of Tuesday, November 19, 2024, 41-year-old Rachel Vanderpool of Fresno tragically lost her life in a vehicle-pedestrian collision.
Accident Details: The incident occurred around 6:10 p.m. near the intersection of Cesar Chavez Boulevard and Third Street in Fresno. According to authorities, Vanderpool stepped off the center median into eastbound traffic, where an approaching vehicle could not stop in time, leading to the collision. Despite being transported to a local hospital, Vanderpool succumbed to her injuries. The driver remained at the scene and is cooperating with the investigation.
Legal Considerations: As a personal injury attorney, I find that several aspects of this case warrant further examination. In incidents like this, investigators often focus on critical factors such as road conditions, visibility, the driver’s speed, who had the right of way, and whether proper precautions were in place for pedestrian safety. Determining whether negligence played a role in the collision is essential, as it may have implications for liability.
Wrongful Death Considerations: The tragic loss of Rachel Vanderpool may raise questions about the ability of her family to pursue a wrongful death claim. Such claims can give surviving family members recourse to seek compensation for funeral expenses, lost companionship, and other damages stemming from the incident. Even if she is deemed partly negligent for stepping off the center median, her family may recover partial compensation based on California’s comparative negligence laws.
I extend my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Rachel Vanderpool during this incredibly difficult time.
Source: Your Central Valley