George Gonzalez Jr., Melissa Sanchez ID’d as 2 of 4 Victims Injured in Fresno County Car Accident Nebraska and Elm Avenues
Fresno County, California (January 26, 2020) – Authorities have identified two of the four people who were injured Friday morning in a fatal alleged DUI crash in Fresno County as George Gonzalez Jr. and Melissa Sanchez, both 23 and of Fresno.
The accident happened at about 11:40 a.m. Friday, January 24 at the intersection of Nebraska and Elm avenues near Caruthers.
According to the California Highway Patrol, Hector Cortes, 39, of Fresno, was driving a 1992 Chevrolet S-10 truck when he allegedly ran a red light at the intersection and struck a 2018 Jeep Liberty driven by Gonzalez who had the right-of-way. As a result of the collision, both vehicles overturned.
Gonzalez sustained major injuries and was transported to Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno. His passenger, Sanchez, who was 29 weeks pregnant, was also transported to Community Regional Medical Center, where she underwent an emergency cesarean section, but her baby later died.
Two other passengers in the Jeep suffered moderate injuries and were also taken to Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno.
Cortes was pronounced dead at the scene.
The CHP officers believed that alcohol was a factor in the accident. The crash remains under investigation.
According to Arin Khodaverdian, the Managing Partner and CEO Alpine Law Group, a separate investigation by an experienced attorney is necessary so as clearly uncover the circumstances surrounding the collision. “An attorney will also help the victim to navigate all the legal processes in pursuit of fair compensation and justice. Car accident claims are rarely straightforward, and, regardless of the circumstances involved, liable insurance companies will often do everything possible to limit their out-of-pocket expenses by either devaluing or outright denying your claim. It is crucial, therefore, that you have an experienced attorney on your side,” said Arin.