Fresno, CA (October 16, 2024) – On Wednesday, October 16, 2023, a tragic incident unfolded on Olive Avenue at Villa Avenue in Fresno, resulting in the death of 28-year-old Luis Hidalgo Corado, an unhoused man from San Diego.
Accident Details: The collision occurred around 8:10 p.m. when a westbound vehicle struck Hidalgo, who was blocking the roadway in a dark area while carrying several items. The driver of the first vehicle stayed at the scene, but a second vehicle, described as a mid-sized sedan, also struck Hidalgo and fled, leaving authorities to search for the hit-and-run driver.
Legal Considerations: As a personal injury attorney, I believe several factors could affect the determination of liability in this accident.
- Driver Behavior: Investigators will assess whether either driver was distracted, impaired, or driving recklessly. Depending on whether they exercised proper caution under the circumstances, the drivers may be liable.
- Hit-and-Run: The second vehicle’s hit-and-run behavior complicates matters further. Fleeing the scene of a collision is a serious crime, and under California law, a hit-and-run driver could face both criminal charges and civil liability for damages.
- Road Conditions: The facts state Hidalgo was blocking the roadway. Investigators will have to determine if there was a crosswalk and why there wasn’t sufficient lighting. Any negligence found that contributed to the crash may implicate the local municipality.
Wrongful Death: Depending on the outcome of the investigation, Hildalgo’s family may be able to file a wrongful death case and recover compensation for their tragic loss, including funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional distress.
Comparative Negligence: California’s comparative negligence laws may also play a role in determining the outcome of this case. If Hidalgo was partially responsible for the accident due to being in the roadway, any financial recovery in a wrongful death lawsuit could be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to him.
Importance of Pedestrian Safety: This heartbreaking accident highlights the dangers pedestrians face and raises important legal considerations surrounding negligence and responsibility in multi-vehicle collisions. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Luis Hidalgo Corado during this difficult time. I hope that the investigation provides answers and accountability for those involved.
Source: Your Central Valley