Man fatally hit by car at Blackstone Avenue and Swift Avenue, authorities say
FRESNO, CA, (October 26, 2024) - A 34-year-old pedestrian was struck and killed by a vehicle while crossing the street near an In-N-Out in Fresno Saturday night, according to authorities.
Rudy Reyes, 34, was fatally injured as a result of being hit by a vehicle near an In-N-Out in Fresno Saturday night, according to authorities. Reyes' city of residence could not be verified.
The tragedy unfolded around 8 p.m. in the area of Blackstone Avenue and Swift Avenue.
Based on preliminary reports, the pedestrian—identified by the Fresno County Coroner’s Office as Rudy Reyes—was hit by a vehicle traveling northbound along Blackstone. Reyes was taken to a hospital, where he died from injuries on Monday, two days after the crash.
The vehicle's driver remained at the scene. Detectives said impairment was not a factor.
This is an active investigation.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
This tragic accident underscores the dangers that pedestrians face every day in this country.
According to the California Office of Traffic Safety (COTS), in 2018, around 893 pedestrians were killed on California roadways, a 26% increase from 2014.
“In most instances, pedestrians possess the right of way when crossing an intersection or a street regardless of if they are in a marked crosswalk,” said Candice Bond, an experienced pedestrian accident attorney.
Bond, Managing Partner of Bond Legal, noted that it’s imperative to have an independent probe conducted by a seasoned lawyer to help protect the rights of the victim’s family in cases such as this.
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
“It is almost always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian,” said Bond, a national legal analyst for Newsline. The family of Rudy Reyes may be entitled to a wrongful death claim.
“Family members of wrongful death victims may seek damages for loss of income and companionship, pain and suffering, funeral expenses, and emotional distress following a catastrophic accident.”
“Insurance companies often try to pressure victims to settle for a quick payout for far less than the case is worth,” Bond noted. “However, an attorney will vigorously advocate for their client to ensure that they are treated with respect and compensated fairly.”
Newsline's national legal analyst Candice Bond is experienced in fatal pedestrian accidents, and if you or a family member need help she's available for a free consultation to guide you
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).