Ephraim Estrada Killed in Modesto Hit-and-Run Crash at Burney and 16th Streets
Ephraim Estrada ID’d as Man Struck and Killed by Suspected DUI Driver at Burney Street and 16th Street in Modesto
Modesto, California (July 6, 2021) – The man who died after being struck by a suspected drunken driver Sunday night at an intersection in Modesto has been identified by the family members as Ephraim Joel Estrada, 20.
The deadly accident happened at about 11:00 p.m. Sunday, July 4, at the intersection of Burney Street and 16th Street.
Police said Estrada was setting off and lighting Fourth of July fireworks in the area when he was hit by a Toyota Camry that was speeding northbound on Burney Street.
Pedestrian Killed in Modesto DUI Crash
Arriving officers found Estrada lying on the street with major injuries. Sadly, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the Toyota fled the scene after the crash. The suspect, identified as Jesus Lemus, 34, later called and told the police that he thought he hit someone because he got distracted by some fireworks.
Investigators determined that Lemus was driving under the influence at the time of the accident. The officers also found a 12-year-old passenger in the car.
Lemus was eventually arrested on suspicion of DUI causing great bodily injury, child endangerment, felony hit-and-run, and gross vehicular manslaughter. His bail was set at $1 million.
The crash remains under investigation.
Notable Pedestrian Accident Statistics According to the California Office of Traffic Safety:
- 893 pedestrians were killed, and more than 14,000 were injured on California roadways in 2018.
- California’s pedestrian fatality is almost 25% higher than the national average.
- California is among the leading states in pedestrian deaths.
Safety Tips for Pedestrians
- Make yourself visible to other road users by wearing bright colored clothes, reflector jackets, or using a flashlight when walking at night.
- Avoid distractions such as using your phone while on the streets.
- Cross streets on marked crosswalks and obey traffic lights.
- Always pay attention to your surroundings.
- Be predictable by observing all traffic rules and obeying signs and signals.
Safety Tips for Drivers
- Look out for pedestrians, particularly in hard-to-see conditions, for example, at night and in bad weather.
- Yield and be ready to stop whenever a pedestrian has the right-of-way.
- Be cautious when parking or backing up – pedestrians can move across your path.
- Observe all traffic rules.
If you have lost someone you love in a pedestrian accident and need legal help, call our law office at Click to call : 866-803-6502 and talk to an accident attorney.
