Fresno, CA (January 16, 2025) – An 83-year-old Fresno man, Hector Lara, tragically lost his life in a collision with a big rig on Thursday, as confirmed by the Fresno County Coroner’s Office.
Accident Details: The accident occurred around 1:30 p.m. at the intersection of Cedar Avenue and South Avenue. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the big rig was traveling northbound on Cedar Avenue, which does not have a stop sign at the intersection. Lara reportedly entered the intersection and collided with the big rig. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Legal Considerations: As a personal injury attorney, I find that several aspects of this case warrant further examination. Key areas for investigation include:
- Intersection Safety: Was the intersection adequately marked with traffic signs and signals? Could additional safety measures, such as warning signs or speed controls, have prevented this accident? Any issues may indicate liability on the part of local or state authorities.
- Driver Behavior: Given the road and traffic conditions, was the big rig driver traveling at a safe speed? Was there enough visibility at the intersection for both drivers? Did Lara have a stop sign?
- Vehicle Functionality: Were Hector Lara’s vehicle systems, such as brakes or steering, functioning correctly at the time of the crash? Was the big rig compliant with safety regulations?
Hector Lara’s family may have grounds for a wrongful death claim if evidence suggests negligence by another party, such as the big rig driver or the governing authority responsible for maintaining the intersection. A thorough investigation will be critical to determining whether the family is entitled to compensation such as funeral expenses, loss of companionship, or other damages.
My thoughts and condolences are with the family of Hector Lara during this difficult time.
Source: Your Central Valley