[09-20-2024] Fresno County, CA – Male Pedestrian Killed After DUI Hit-And-Run Crash in Selma

A male pedestrian identified as Robert L. was killed after a DUI hit-and-run crash in Selma on Friday evening, September 20, 2024.

According to the Selma Police Department, officers responded to Floral Avenue and Wright Street at around 8:15 p.m. for a reported traffic collision involving a pedestrian.

Upon arrival, police located the victim suffering from life-threatening injuries consistent with being struck by a motor vehicle. He later succumbed to his injuries.

While on the scene, officers generated information that led them to the location of the suspect and his vehicle, which had fled the original collision site. It was determined that the driver, identified as 39-year-old Roberto R., was under the influence at the time of the incident.

The driver was booked into the Fresno County Jail on suspicion of gross vehicular manslaughter, hit-and-run resulting in death, DUI, and several other charges.

The investigation is ongoing.

Call The Passionate DUI Accident Victim Lawyers In Fresno County

Feelings such as fear, wrath, or suspicion following a DUI accident are normal. The negligent party is responsible for paying the damages sustained by the victim, including medical bills, missed wages, and other financial expenses. Getting compensated for a DUI accident can be challenging, but our injury law firm in Fresno County can help.

Get legal advice from our experts in DUI accidents, under the direction of Arash Khorsandi, Esq., who can help you assess your case. Additionally, we can also help victims injured in hit-and-run accidents to fight for the justice they deserve.

Our passionate personal injury lawyers will do everything possible to advocate for your claim and safeguard your rights. As one of the largest law firms specializing in personal injury cases in California, Arash Law has successfully obtained over $750 Million in compensation for clients.

To arrange a free initial consultation with one of our personal injury attorneys, please dial (888) 488-1391 or fill out our “Do I Have a Case?” form.

Ways To Protect Yourself After Being A Victim Of A DUI Accident In Fresno County

Insurance companies often handle claims related to accidents caused by drunk driving. It’s essential to understand that their primary concern is their financial interests—not your full and fair compensation. They are driven by profit, not by the well-being of you and your family.

After a serious DUI accident, you might receive a phone call or inquiry from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Be cautious when responding to these requests.

Our Fresno County DUI accident victim attorneys have compiled the following tips for dealing with insurance companies after a drunk driving crash:

1. Stay Calm And Contact The Authorities. Prioritize getting prompt medical care and immediately contact the authorities to report any injuries you’ve sustained.
2. Gather Information. Take photos of your injuries, and any evidence of negligence, and document the incident thoroughly. Be sure to collect contact information from any witnesses at the scene.
3. Do Not Admit Or Accept Blame. In DUI cases, insurance companies often try to shift some of the blame onto the injured victim to reduce their liability and, consequently, the compensation they have to pay. Never admit fault or accept responsibility for the accident. The intoxicated driver should be held accountable for their actions. Avoid discussing fault with an insurance adjuster, as this is a common mistake following any vehicle accident.
4. Avoid Making A Statement. You are not obligated to provide a recorded statement to the insurance company immediately after the accident. Insurance adjusters may call you repeatedly, seeking a statement. Their goal is simple: to gather information that could be used against you during the claims process. Remain silent. Your words could be manipulated or taken out of context. Let your attorney handle all communications with the insurance company.
5. Avoid Early Settlement Offers. In DUI accident cases, insurers may struggle to completely avoid liability. As a result, they often attempt to minimize the amount of compensation they offer. One common tactic is to present a quick, lowball settlement to the victim. Do not accept a settlement that falls short of what you deserve. Let your DUI accident attorney negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.
6. Do Not Sign Any Documents. Before signing any documents from the insurance company, seek legal advice. Insurers often ask injured individuals to sign a broad release of their medical records. They may claim that a document is ‘standard procedure,’ but their true intent is to gather information to reduce your compensation. You may not be required to provide full access to your records. Your attorney will ensure your rights are protected.
7. Work With Experienced DUI Accident Lawyers. You don’t have to face a large insurance company alone. A substantial amount is at stake in most DUI accident injury claims, and insurance companies will go to great lengths to minimize your settlement. To protect your rights, engage with skilled DUI accident attorneys in California before dealing with the insurance company.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

DUI Accident Statistics

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drunk driving accidents in the US result in the deaths of 32 individuals every day, which is equivalent to one death every 45 minutes. In 2020, intoxicated drivers were responsible for 11,654 fatalities in traffic accidents, marking a 14% rise compared to the previous year.

From 2016 to 2017, there was a 5.8% increase in fatal road accidents connected to intoxication. Driving under the influence of alcohol puts everyone on the road at significant risk. Each year, intoxicated drivers consume almost 2 billion gallons of fuel unnecessarily.

In California, 949 individuals lost their lives in 2019 as a result of driving under the influence. This is 2.4 out of every 100,000 people, while the national rate is 3.1 out of every 100,000. Fresno County has reported 709 alcohol-related deaths and injuries in 2023, based on data from the Transportation Injury Mapping System (TIMS).