Two Modesto Pedestrians Killed in Separate Crashes Within 24 Hours

Two Modesto Pedestrians Killed in Separate Crashes Within 24 Hours

MODESTO, CA – Two male pedestrians were tragically killed in two different collisions within roughly 24 hours in the first days of October. The accidents include a tragic hit-and-run in Modesto’s downtown area Friday morning, October 2.

The second accident happened at the intersection of 14th and I, not long after 10 a.m.

Modesto police reported that a man was apparently walking in the street when he lay down in a traffic lane and shrouded himself under a blanket. A westbound vehicle then struck him. Sadly, the driver drove away from the scene.

Police were able to track the suspect vehicle using city surveillance cameras. Officers eventually stopped the vehicle with a tire-deflation device and found the driver and their vehicle about two miles away near Coffee Road and Orangeburg Avenue. The driver was arrested on suspicion of hit-and-run resulting in injury or death.

Police also suspect the driver might have been under the influence, although the investigation remains ongoing. Anyone who witnessed the collision or has video footage is encouraged to contact the Modesto Police Department.

No other injuries were reported in the crash.

A Second Fatal Pedestrian Crash

The first fatal collision occurred Thursday morning, October 1, at East Orangeburg Avenue and Claus Road.

Police reported that a 63-year-old man in a wheelchair was hit by a vehicle while he was inside or close to a crosswalk. Unlike the Friday morning collision, the driver was responsible enough to stay at the scene.

Modesto PD continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding both crashes.

What These Tragedies Remind Us

Two pedestrian deaths in such a short period are a painful reminder of just how vulnerable people are when they are outside a vehicle. A pedestrian has no seat belt, airbag, or steel frame surrounding them when a collision occurs.

And from a personal injury perspective, these cases can involve much more than determining what happened in the moments before impact. Investigators may need to examine roadway conditions, visibility, vehicle speed, surveillance footage, witness accounts, driver impairment, and whether other factors contributed to the collision.

After more than four decades in personal injury law, the accident injury attorneys of AutoAccident.com understand how quickly an ordinary day can become a life-changing—or devastating—event for a family. Behind every report is a person whose life mattered, and a family left to deal with consequences that can last far beyond the crash itself.

That is why pedestrian safety deserves more than statistics. It deserves attention, accountability, and compassion.

If you or a loved one were injured in a crash caused by a negligent or reckless driver, know that you’re not alone. AutoAccident.com is one of the most trusted pedestrian injury firms in California. Based in Sacramento, CA, our talented legal team is here to help you navigate the legal process, hold at-fault drivers accountable, and fight for the justice you deserve. Call our pedestrian accident attorneys at (916) 921-6400 for free, friendly legal advice. You can also reach out through our online contact form or toll-free number at (800) 404-5400.

 

MODESTO, CA — A fatal crash that involved two pickup trucks brought northbound Highway 99 in Modesto to a standstill Sunday evening around 6 p.m., October 4. The CHP is investigating the collision as a suspected DUI crash. It happened to the north of Carpenter Road.

The crash was between a GMC pick-up truck and a Chevy pick-up truck. According to the preliminary investigation, the Chevy motorist performed an unsafe lane change, causing the two trucks to collide.

The impact rolled the GMC over. The GMC driver didn’t have his seatbelt fastened. Sadly, he died at the scene.

The Chevy’s driver and passenger escaped injury.

CHP identified the Chevy driver as 22-year-old John Rojasnaranjo, who was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. The man was booked on charges that include suspected vehicular manslaughter.

Northbound Highway 99 remained closed while officers investigated the deadly collision but reopened once the investigation was complete.

Crashes involving large vehicles can produce devastating consequences in an instant. The experienced truck accident lawyers of AutoAccident.com serve Modesto and Stanislaus County.

We have seen firsthand how important the details surrounding a collision can become when determining what happened and who may be responsible.

If you or a loved one were injured in a crash caused by a negligent or reckless driver, know that you’re not alone. AutoAccident.com is one of the most trusted personal injury firms in California, and across the U.S. Our talented legal team is here to help you navigate the legal process, hold at-fault drivers accountable, and fight for the justice you deserve. Call our accident attorneys at (916) 921-6400 for free, friendly legal advice. You can also reach out through our online contact form or toll-free number at (800) 404-5400.