Merced County DUI Accident Fatally Injures Two
I’m Ed Smith, a Merced car accident lawyer. Two students from Nevada Union High School were traveling together in Merced County to Pismo Beach for spring break vacation during the morning of Sunday, March 25, 2018. Unfortunately, a drunk driving accident claimed the lives of the two teenagers.
We extend our condolences to the loved ones of the two parties that passed away in this devastating accident. We would also like to wish a speedy and full recovery to the other injured parties.
Accident Details
A 17-year-old Grass Valley boy was driving his Nissan southbound along Interstate 5 in the vicinity of Highway 165 at approximately 11:50 am. At the same time, a San Jose woman was driving her 2015 Honda northbound along Interstate 5. The Honda motorist reportedly veered over the center median of the interstate in the direct path of the Nissan, resulting in a serious head-on crash.
Nature of Injuries
Officials from the California Highway Patrol (CHP) indicated that the Nissan was carrying three parties at the time of the collision. The Nissan driver was, devastatingly, pronounced deceased at the scene due to the severity of his sustained injuries. The front-seat passenger, identified as a 16-year-old, suffered serious injuries including a hip fracture but is expected to recover. Another 16-year-old passenger was transported via air ambulance to the Doctors Medical Center in Modesto for treatment of a head injury. Sadly, the passenger succumbed to his injuries during hospitalization.
Accident Investigation
The driver of the Honda, a 21-year-old San Jose woman, was taken to an area hospital due to complaints of lower back and leg pain. After being discharged from emergency treatment, she was arrested on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter and driving under the influence (DUI). The woman may face additional charges as the investigation continues.
Injuries from Head-On Collisions
A head-on collision is a type of motor vehicle accident where the front-ends of two cars strike one another in opposite directions. Head-on collisions can result in serious harm to vehicle occupants due to the area of impact. Some of the serious injuries commonly sustained in these accidents include:
- Bone Fractures
- Internal Organ Injuries
- Spinal Cord Injury
- Traumatic Brain Injury
When individuals suffer serious injuries in motor vehicle collisions, negligent parties can be held financially accountable for their actions through a personal injury lawsuit. Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer in Merced for more details.
Drunk Driving Accidents and Wrongful Death
Drunk driving remains a serious problem in the United States. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that 10,497 parties passed away due to alcohol-impaired driving accidents in 2016. Of that number, approximately 1,233 children ages 14 and under were fatally injured. The consequences of drunk driving accidents are endless. These accidents cost approximately $44 billion dollars annually for deaths and damages. If you have lost someone you love in a drunk driving accident, it is crucial to discuss your options with a Merced wrongful death lawyer.
Loved Ones Forever Remembered
The two teenage boys were outstanding student-athletes of Nevada Union High School with their bright futures ahead of them. They are remembered by those who surrounded them for their vibrant and kind souls. A GoFundMe account has been established to help the families cover the funeral and other expenses associated with this tragic loss of life.
Related Content by Edward A Smith Law Offices:
Merced Car Accident & Wrongful Death Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Merced car accident lawyer. Auto accidents involving alcohol-impaired motorists can result in serious injury or even death to those involved. If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a car accident, please call me at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly advice.
For 36 years and counting, I have offered my assistance to Merced County families with retrieving fair compensation for wrongful death and personal injury claims.
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The Million Dollar Advocates Forum, a nationwide group of top trial attorneys, has invited me to join as a California member in recognition of my verdicts and settlements resulting in million dollar awards for clients.
To learn more about our past cases and their results see our Verdicts and Settlements page.
Image Attribution: By “StockSnap” via Pixabay
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