California Injury Blog
A driver who caused a Fresno car accident that killed a family — Donald Fisher, 77, his wife Arlene, 74, and their son, Brian Fisher, 55 — is likely to face criminal changes. According to a KFSN news report, the fatal accident occurred March 9, 2010 when 32-year-old Manuel Casillas crossed into opposing traffic lanes on Jensen Avenue and struck the Fishers’ vehicle head-on. Officials are still looking into what caused Casillas to go over the center divide of the roadway.
I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of the Fishers who were apparently very active and popular in their community. Tragic! My heart goes out to everybody who knew and loved the Fishers. Please keep this grieving family and community in your prayers.
Fresno Car Accident Statistics
There were four fatalities and 15 injuries involving car accidents in Coalinga, in 2008, according to California Highway Patrol’s traffic accident statistics. In Fresno County as a whole, 127 deaths and 3,233 injuries were reported as a result of car accidents in 2008.
Car Accident Causes
Based on this news report, it is not clear what exactly caused this car accident. There are more questions than answers at this point. Was Casillas under the influence at the time of the collision? Was he traveling at a high rate of speed? Was he distracted, inattentive or otherwise negligent? It is also important, in these types of accidents, to determine if there was a vehicle defect or a mechanical malfunction in his vehicle that caused him to lose control of it? I trust officials are looking into these and other factors in order to determine what exactly happened here.
Liability Issues
If Casillas is found to have been at fault here, he could be held criminally and civilly liable for the fatal accident. If Casillas was on-the-job at the time, his employer could also be held liable. If alcohol or drugs were involved, the nature of the charges will likely be more serious. In the event an auto product defect caused this fatal accident, then, the auto maker or the manufacturer of the defective product can be held responsible as well.
Victims’ families in such cases, would be well-advised to seek the counsel of an experienced Fresno personal injury lawyer who will stay on top of the official investigation and make sure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. Where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased car accident victims can file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation to cover funeral expenses, lost future earnings, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages.
The Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.