Fresno County, CA (August 24, 2023) 40-year-old Melecio Ayala of Fresno was arrested on Wednesday after a hit-and-run on Foster Farms in Reedley. The California Highway Patrol was called to the private property of Foster Farms at 10535 Englehart Avenue on Wednesday morning.
Ayala, who is an employee of Foster Farms, got in a company vehicle and drove it around the property without permission. As he was driving, he hit another employee and continued driving. He exited Foster Farms and turned onto the street to drive away, still in the company vehicle.
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The California Highway Patrol said that Ayala later turned himself in to an officer making a routing traffic stop.
The victim, a 25-year-old male, was taken to a nearby hospital where he later died from his injuries.
Ayala was arrested on hit-and-run charges, as well as vehicular manslaughter charges. He was booked into the Fresno County Jail. California Highway Patrol said that drugs and alcohol do not seem to be a factor in this accident.
Liability In Fresno County Pedestrian Accidents
Thousands of pedestrians are killed or seriously injured every year in pedestrian accidents. According to the Centers for Disease Control, “An estimated 137,000 pedestrians were treated in emergency departments for nonfatal crash-related injuries in 2017. Per trip, pedestrians are 1.5 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to be killed in a car crash.” There are a number of factors that could lead to a pedestrian collision including:
- Speeding
- Drunk driving
- Driver distraction
- Inclement weather
All drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care in order to avoid hitting pedestrians. The family of any victim that died in a pedestrian collision may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. A wrongful death attorney can examine all of the facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Fresno County Pedestrian Accident
We at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the family of the man killed in this accident. Any person that may have information about what happened should reach out to police. There needs to be some accountability for what happened.
Have you or someone that you care about been injured in a car accident? Our team of personal injury attorneys are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need assistance after an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (844) 966-0965.
