Fresno, CA — Driver Lori Bagdasarian was named in a collision that claimed the life of a male pedestrian in his 40s on the evening of Sunday, January 26, 2025, according to ABC30.
The Fresno Police Department reports that the accident took place around 9:20 PM at the intersection of Herndon and Blackstone Avenues.
Officers arrived to find the man critically injured after being struck by a vehicle. Emergency responders administered life-saving measures at the scene before transporting him to Saint Agnes Medical Center. Despite their efforts, he succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival.
Investigators determined that the victim had been crossing all six lanes of Herndon Avenue when he was struck by an eastbound vehicle traveling in the number-three lane. The driver, identified as Bagdasarian, remained at the scene and displayed signs of intoxication. She was arrested on misdemeanor DUI charges but was later cited and released.
As of now, the identity of the victim has not been released. The intersection remained closed for several hours as officers conducted their investigation, causing significant traffic disruptions in the area.
This incident highlights the dangers pedestrians face, particularly when crossing busy streets, and underscores the risks posed by impaired driving.
California DUI Law
Section 23153(a) of the California Vehicle Code (CVC) states that it is illegal for any driver to “Operate a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs and, as a result, cause bodily injury to someone else.”
Partial Liability in Pedestrian Accidents
California Law does not consider pedestrians to have the right-of-way under all circumstances, such as if they attempt to cross outside of a crosswalk. However, motorists are never relieved of the expectation to provide pedestrians with a Duty of Care toward their safety.
It may therefore be determined that a motorist is held only partially liable in a pedestrian accident. Should that be the case, they would be financially responsible for the victim’s recovery costs in proportion to their degree of liability.
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, feel free to contact Maison Law for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
