Fresno, CA (October 6, 2024) – On the afternoon of Sunday, October 6, 2024, 64-year-old Ernest Yetter was tragically run over and killed while lying in an alley near Abby and Belmont in central Fresno.
Accident Details: Authorities have confirmed that Yetter was intoxicated and had passed out in the alley when the accident occurred. A red Buick struck Yetter as he lay on the ground. The driver initially stopped but then fled the scene. Despite fleeing, police later located the car parked at a nearby church. According to law enforcement, the driver cooperated with the ongoing investigation and was not arrested.
Legal Considerations: As a personal injury attorney, I find that several factors of this case should be explored to determine the cause and liability.
Driver’s Actions: The first key question in this case is why the driver hit Ernest Yetter. Investigators would likely explore several factors, including whether the driver was impaired, distracted, or speeding at the time of the accident. Was the driver fully aware of his surroundings? Given that Yetter was lying in the alley, it is crucial to determine whether he was visible to the driver and whether the driver had sufficient time to react and avoid the collision.
Hit-and-Run: Another significant aspect of the case is the driver’s decision to flee the scene after hitting Yetter. While the driver eventually cooperated with authorities, the initial act of leaving the scene is concerning. In California, hit-and-run incidents are generally considered negligence, regardless of the circumstances leading up to the accident. The decision to flee could further implicate the driver and may strengthen any potential claims against him.
Wrongful Death Claim: Yetter’s family may have grounds to file a wrongful death claim against the driver. While Yetter was reportedly intoxicated, and his state may have contributed to the accident by placing him in harm’s way, California’s comparative negligence laws allow victims’ families to seek compensation even if the victim shares some responsibility for the accident. In this case, if Yetter and the driver were partly at fault, Yetter’s family could still recover damages, with the compensation adjusted based on each party’s negligence level.
I extend my deepest condolences to Ernest Yetter’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. The investigation is ongoing, and I hope it brings the answers and justice that the family deserves.
Source: ABC 30