A two-car collision near Clovis Community College in Fresno County cost one woman her life and injured her two children.
On Monday, May 29 at roughly 4:30 pm, a red Mercedes was traveling eastbound on International Avenue near Minnewawa east of Clovis Community College. The Mercedes was traveling at a high rate of speed when it approached a stop sign and at that moment a black Honda Sedan was going northbound on Minnewawa.
As it entered the intersection, the Mercedes appeared to blow through the stop sign, striking the Honda on the driver’s side, pushing both vehicles into an open field. According to California Highway Patrol (CHP) the 45-year-old female driver of the Honda was pronounced dead at the scene, and the two children who were passengers in the vehicle were taken to a hospital with moderate injuries.
The children, aged 8 and 10, did not have their names released, nor was the mother’s name released. The woman driving the Mercedes suffered only minor injuries. The CHP reported that neither drugs nor alcohol were suspected in the crash.
Authorities did arrest the woman who had been driving the Mercedes on suspicion of felony vehicular manslaughter. ABC 30 listed the name of the Mercedes driver as Wallowa Bates, a 22-year-old seen driving twice the posted speed limit. She posted bond and was out of jail by Monday evening.
“The travesty here is every life was ruined,” said Fresno car accident attorney Jerry Singleton. “The driver of the Honda was killed, the two children had their mother taken away from them, and this 22-year-old will likely spend years in prison. All of this could have been avoided if Wallowa Bates had just obeyed the stop sign. One bad decision ruined four lives, possibly more.”
If you or someone you love has been injured, contact the Fresno car accident attorneys at Singleton Schreiber by calling 559-702-0846 or by email at info@singletonschreiber.com.
Fresno Car Accident Near Clovis Community College
Fresno, a city located in the heart of California’s Central Valley, unfortunately, has not been exempt from its fair share of car accidents involving criminal behavior. Such incidents, marked by reckless driving, violations of traffic laws, and intentional misconduct, have left a lasting impact on the community and raised concerns regarding public safety.
Clovis Community College is California’s 113th community colleges, serving roughly 14,000 students in the Central Valley. This community college has thousands of young people, some of whom have been cited for dangerous driving in various forms.
Criminal behavior behind the wheel can take various forms, ranging from hit-and-run incidents to high-speed chases and even instances of road rage. These actions not only jeopardize the lives of those involved but also pose a significant threat to innocent bystanders and fellow motorists.
One common example of criminal behavior on Fresno’s roads is drunk driving. Despite strict laws and increased awareness campaigns, incidents of impaired driving continue to occur. Intoxicated individuals who choose to get behind the wheel put themselves and others at risk, as alcohol impairs judgment, reaction times, and coordination. Tragically, these incidents often result in severe injuries and, in some cases, fatalities.
Another form of criminal behavior that frequently leads to car accidents in Fresno is street racing. Illegally organized races can take place on public roads or empty parking lots, attracting participants seeking an adrenaline rush. Speeds can reach dangerous levels, leading to loss of control, collisions, and even death. Fresno authorities have made efforts to crack down on street racing, implementing stricter penalties and increasing law enforcement presence, but the problem persists.
Carjacking, a crime where individuals forcibly take possession of a vehicle, is yet another criminal behavior that can result in car accidents. Carjackers often target unsuspecting drivers at stoplights or in parking lots, using violence or threats to steal their vehicles. These incidents can quickly escalate into high-speed pursuits, endangering the lives of innocent drivers and pedestrians.
In recent years, incidents of road rage have also made headlines in Fresno. Altercations between drivers fueled by anger and frustration can escalate rapidly, leading to aggressive driving maneuvers and intentional collisions. These acts of aggression not only endanger the individuals involved but also create a hazardous environment for other road users.
“There are two parts to the legal case here,” Mr. Singleton added. “Ms. Bates will be subjected to the criminal process. But the family of the woman who was killed and the two children who were injured are due compensation via the civil litigation process. The family needs a qualified personal injury attorney who can take the burden off of them to pursue this matter properly.”
If you have been injured, contact the Clovis car accident attorneys at Singleton Schreiber by calling 559-702-0846 or by email at info@singletonschreiber.com.
