A hit-and-run collision at a busy Fresno County intersection has left one person hospitalized and authorities searching for the suspect driver who fled the scene. The evening crash highlights the serious consequences of hit-and-run incidents and the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to hold negligent drivers accountable.
Details of the Fresno Hit-and-Run Collision
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) responded to reports of a traffic collision at the intersection of South Marks Avenue and West Manning Avenue in Fresno County at approximately 6:48 p.m. The crash involved a black pickup truck and another unidentified vehicle.
What initially appeared to be a non-injury accident quickly escalated when investigators discovered that one of the drivers had sustained injuries and the other had fled the scene. The CHP subsequently reclassified the incident as a hit-and-run crash with injuries.
Victim Hospitalized Following Collision
At least one individual involved in the two-vehicle collision required medical attention and was transported to Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno for treatment. Authorities have not disclosed the extent of their injuries.
Hit-and-run accidents often result in more severe injuries than typical traffic collisions, as victims may not receive immediate assistance from the fleeing driver. In many cases, the shock and trauma of being abandoned at the scene can compound the physical injuries sustained in the crash. Emergency responders who arrived at the South Marks Avenue intersection worked quickly to assess the victim’s condition and provide necessary medical care before transport to the hospital.
Community Regional Medical Center, one of Fresno’s premier trauma centers, is well-equipped to handle serious accident-related injuries. The facility’s emergency department and trauma team are experienced in treating motor vehicle accident victims, providing immediate life-saving care and ongoing treatment for complex injuries. While the victim’s current condition remains unknown, receiving prompt medical attention at a qualified trauma center significantly improves recovery outcomes for accident victims.
Ongoing Investigation by California Highway Patrol
The CHP has closed the initial incident record and opened a formal hit-and-run investigation. Authorities are working to identify and locate the suspect driver who left the crash scene.
The cause of the collision remains under investigation, and officials have not yet released additional details about the circumstances that led to the crash or the identity of the suspect vehicle.
Hit-and-run investigations typically involve multiple investigative techniques, including analyzing physical evidence from the crash scene, reviewing nearby surveillance footage, and interviewing potential witnesses. The CHP will likely examine debris, paint transfer, and vehicle parts left behind to help identify the make and model of the fleeing vehicle.
Additionally, investigators may canvass local auto repair shops and dealerships to locate vehicles matching the damage pattern consistent with this collision. These comprehensive investigative efforts often take time but are crucial for building a strong case against the suspect driver once they are apprehended.
Understanding Hit-and-Run Laws in California
Under California Vehicle Code Section 20001, drivers involved in accidents that result in injury or death are legally required to stop at the scene and exchange information with other parties involved. Leaving the scene of an injury accident constitutes a felony offense that can result in:
- Up to four years in state prison
- Fines ranging from $1,000 to $10,000
- Suspension of driving privileges
- Permanent criminal record
Beyond criminal penalties, hit-and-run drivers also face significant civil liability for damages caused to victims. This includes compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. California courts often impose enhanced damages in hit-and-run cases due to the driver’s deliberate decision to flee, making the financial consequences even more severe for those who choose to leave the scene of an accident.
What to Do If You’re Involved in a Hit-and-Run
If you find yourself the victim of a hit-and-run accident, taking immediate action can protect both your health and your legal rights:
At the Scene:
- Call 911 immediately to report the incident and request medical assistance if needed
- Try to gather as much information as possible about the fleeing vehicle, including license plate number, make, model, color, and direction of travel
- Look for witnesses and obtain their contact information
- Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any debris
After the Accident:
- Seek medical attention even if injuries seem minor, as some symptoms may not appear immediately
- Contact your insurance company to report the hit-and-run
- Keep detailed records of all medical treatment and expenses
- Consider consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney
Time is critical in hit-and-run cases, as evidence can quickly disappear and witness memories can fade. The sooner you report the incident and gather information, the better law enforcement’s chance of identifying and apprehending the fleeing driver. Additionally, many insurance policies have specific time limits for reporting hit-and-run claims, making prompt notification essential for protecting your coverage.
Seeking Legal Help After a Hit-and-Run Accident
Hit-and-run accidents can be particularly challenging for victims, as locating the responsible party and securing compensation for damages may prove difficult. An experienced personal injury attorney can help investigate the crash, work with law enforcement, and explore all available avenues for recovery, including uninsured motorist coverage. Suppose you or a loved one has been injured in a hit-and-run accident in Fresno County or anywhere in California. In that case, it’s essential to understand your legal rights and options for seeking compensation.
Many hit-and-run victims mistakenly believe they have no recourse if the fleeing driver is never found. However, experienced attorneys often uncover additional sources of compensation that victims may not be aware of, such as phantom vehicle coverage or premises liability claims against property owners where inadequate lighting or visibility contributed to the accident. Legal representation becomes even more valuable when dealing with insurance companies, which may attempt to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether in hit-and-run cases.
Stay Safe on Fresno County Roads
This incident reminds all drivers to exercise caution at intersections, particularly during evening hours when visibility may be reduced. Like many busy roadways in Fresno County, the intersection of South Marks Avenue and West Manning Avenue requires heightened awareness from all motorists.
As the investigation continues, authorities encourage anyone with information about this hit-and-run crash to contact the California Highway Patrol. Community cooperation is essential in bringing hit-and-run drivers to justice and ensuring the safety of all road users.
Defensive driving practices can help reduce the risk of becoming involved in any type of accident, including a hit-and-run. This includes maintaining safe following distances, avoiding distractions like cell phone use, and being especially vigilant during peak traffic hours when accidents are more likely to occur. Drivers should also ensure their vehicles are properly maintained with functioning lights and signals, as mechanical failures can sometimes contribute to accidents that lead to panic-induced fleeing from the scene.
Hit-and-Run Accident Settlement Calculators
Hit-and-run accident settlement calculators are valuable tools to help victims understand potential compensation amounts. To provide an estimated settlement range, these calculators typically factor in medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. However, hit-and-run cases often involve unique complications that standard calculators may not account for, such as additional emotional trauma from being abandoned at the scene, enhanced damages due to the driver’s deliberate flight, and potential coverage gaps when the at-fault party cannot be identified.
Professional legal evaluation remains essential, as experienced attorneys can identify all applicable insurance coverages, including uninsured motorist benefits, phantom vehicle coverage, and potential third-party liability claims that automated calculators typically cannot assess. While settlement calculators offer a helpful starting point for understanding potential compensation, they should be viewed as preliminary estimates rather than definitive valuations, particularly in hit-and-run cases where the full scope of damages and available recovery sources may not be immediately apparent. Call us now at +1-866-218-3776 to talk to the experts.
Take Action Today – Get the Help You Deserve
“Being the victim of a hit-and-run accident can leave you feeling abandoned and overwhelmed, but you don’t have to face this challenging time alone. These cases are particularly complex because the responsible party has fled the scene, making it crucial to act quickly to preserve evidence and protect your rights. Even if the other driver is never found, you may still have significant recovery options through insurance coverage or other sources. Don’t let the shock of being left at the scene prevent you from seeking the medical care and legal guidance you deserve. Every hit-and-run victim has the right to pursue full compensation for their injuries, and we’re here to help you navigate this difficult process with compassion and expertise.”– Andy Gillin, GJEL Accident Attorneys
If you or a loved one has been injured in a hit-and-run accident in Fresno County or anywhere throughout California, don’t let financial concerns prevent you from seeking the legal representation you deserve. At GJEL Accident Attorneys, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no attorney fees unless we successfully recover compensation for your case.
This ensures that experienced legal representation is accessible to all accident victims, regardless of their financial situation. Our dedicated team understands the unique challenges of hit-and-run cases and will fight tirelessly to identify all available sources of recovery while you focus on healing. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can help you pursue the maximum compensation you’re entitled to receive. Talk to an experienced GJEL accident attorney for a free legal consultation. Call us at +1-866-218-3776 or visit our Fairfield office to secure your future and compensation.
Essential Resources for Fresno County Traffic Accidents
If you have been involved in a traffic accident or have information about the hit-and-run incident described in this article, the following resources can assist:
California Highway Patrol – Fresno Area Office
- Address: 2555 W. Shaw Avenue, Fresno, CA 93711
- Non-Emergency Phone: (559) 277-0400
- Emergency: 911
- Website: www.chp.ca.gov
- Online Accident Report Portal: www.chp.ca.gov/accident-reports
Fresno Police Department
- Address: 2323 Mariposa Street, Fresno, CA 93721
- Non-Emergency Phone: (559) 621-7000
- Emergency: 911
- Traffic Division: (559) 621-2455
- Website: www.fresno.gov/police
- Online Police Report Request: www.fresno.gov/police/police-reports
Fresno County Sheriff’s Office
- Address: 2200 Fresno Street, Fresno, CA 93721
- Non-Emergency Phone: (559) 600-3111
- Emergency: 911
- Website: www.fresnosheriff.org
California Department of Motor Vehicles – Fresno Office
- Address: 1377 Fulton Street, Fresno, CA 93721
- Phone: (800) 777-0133
- Website: www.dmv.ca.gov
- Services: Driver’s license replacement, vehicle registration, accident reports
Fresno Council of Governments (COG)
- Address: 2035 Tulare Street, Suite 201, Fresno, CA 93721
- Phone: (559) 233-4148
- Website: www.fresnocog.org
- Services: Regional transportation planning and traffic safety initiatives
These agencies can assist with filing police reports, obtaining accident reports, reporting traffic safety concerns, and providing information about ongoing investigations. If you witnessed the hit-and-run accident at South Marks Avenue and West Manning Avenue, please get in touch with the California Highway Patrol immediately at (559) 277-0400.
