Driver fled after striking the pedestrian near Chestnut Avenue, police said
May 29, 2026 | Fresno, CA
Authorities identified a 40-year-old woman killed in a pedestrian hit-and-run accident on Friday night in Fresno.
The Fresno County Coroner’s Office identified the victim as Precious Williams, 40, of Fresno. She was struck by a vehicle at about 10:30 p.m. at the intersection of Belmont and Chestnut avenues. The driver left the scene.
Precious Williams, 40, died after being struck by a vehicle at Belmont and Chestnut avenues in Fresno.
Williams sustained major injuries to her head and upper torso. She was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.
What happened in the crash?
- Date and Time: Friday night, May 29, at approximately 10:30 p.m.
- Location: Intersection of Belmont and Chestnut avenues, Fresno
- Victim: Precious Williams, 40, of Fresno
- Incident type: Pedestrian hit-and-run
- Outcome: Fatal injuries to the head and upper torso, the driver fled the scene
Why do these accidents happen?
Hit-and-run crashes often involve drivers attempting to avoid detection after failing to yield or obey traffic signals. Law enforcement continues to investigate the Friday night incident with no arrest announced.
Accident Statistics
| Year | Estimated U.S. Hit-and-Run Crashes | Fatalities | Source |
|---|
| 2015 | 737,100 | Not Available | National Highway Traffic Safety Administration |
| 2016 | Not Available | 2,049 | National Highway Traffic Safety Administration |
Legal Insights
National analysts note that families may pursue civil remedies in cases such as this.
“Separate from criminal charges, a victim’s family may be entitled to compensation through a civil lawsuit against the responsible party. In addition to the diligent work of law enforcement, an attorney can re-interview important witnesses, analyze any surveillance video from the scene of the crash, and obtain phone and texting records of the liable party.”
— Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal.
“Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help compassionately guide families during this difficult time, protecting their rights while ensuring that drivers who don't obey traffic laws are held accountable.”
Wrongful Death Claim
Pending investigation results, the family of Precious Williams may pursue a wrongful death claim covering loss of love and companionship, funeral expenses, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma.
“It is vital for families of victims to hire an attorney when filing a wrongful death injury claim, which allows the attorney to negotiate with an insurance company on behalf of a client. Insurance companies often try to pressure families of victims to settle for a quick payout for far less than the case is worth. However, an attorney will vigorously advocate for their clients to ensure that they are treated with respect and compensated fairly.”
— Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal.
Key takeaways
- Civil claims can address financial and emotional losses
- Attorneys can gather additional evidence beyond initial police reports
- Insurance negotiations require experienced representation
Newsline is a premier digital news platform owned by Belsito Communications, Inc. The organization maintains an unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity and editorial excellence. Review the Correction Policy for details on the 24-hour review guarantee.
(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)
Newsline - is your trusted source for legal news and accident reports, delivering timely updates to keep you informed.
If you or a family member has been affected by a similar incident, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation. Use the contact information provided on this page.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).