Fatal Accident on SR-99 in Merced County
Officials in Merced County reported a fatal car accident on SR-99 on the night of Wednesday, February 23, 2022. The incident occurred around 7:40 p.m. just north of Le Grand Road and was described as a head-on collision.
Details on the Fatal Auto Accident on SR-99 in Merced County
Officers with the California Highway Patrol (CHP) responded to a call of a crash involving several cars at approximately 7:41 p.m. Authorities arriving at the scene located three involved vehicles described as a 2019 Chevrolet Malibu, a 2017 Honda Pilot, and a 2006 Nissan Titan. A preliminary report revealed that a Fresno woman was driving the Honda in the No.1 lane of southbound State Route 99. At the same time, a 22-year-old Red Bluff man was driving the Nissan northbound on SR-99.
For unknown reasons, the Nissan reportedly veered over the median and into the oncoming traffic lanes, where it was involved in a head-on collision with the Honda. The impact of the collision allegedly caused at least one of the cars to crash into the Chevrolet in the No. 2 lane of southbound Highway 99.
The Chevrolet driver, a 41-year-old Chowchilla woman, suffered minor injuries and was taken to Mercy Medical Center for treatment. The Nissan driver was transported via air ambulance to Doctors Medical Center in Modesto for treatment of injuries described as moderate. Sadly, the Honda driver succumbed to their injuries at the scene. The Merced County Coroner’s Office has recently identified the decedent as Joan Rubalcava, 51, of Fresno. The cause of the incident is under investigation by CHP traffic officers, and additional information on the fatal car accident in Merced County was not immediately available.
Fatal Motor Vehicle Crashes and Wrongful Death Claims
When a close relative loses their life in an unexpected accident, the loss and pain are unimaginable and nearly impossible to come to terms with, particularly if it occurred because of someone else’s negligent actions. When this happens, the family of the decedent may take legal action against the party responsible for the incident through the form of a wrongful death claim. These cases arising from traffic collisions are generally brought against the negligent driver and their insurance company. In general, the surviving spouse, domestic partner, or children of the decedent have priority when it comes to bringing these claims forward. This is by the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1.
Depending on the facts and circumstances of the wrongful death case, economic and non-economic damages may be recovered. This may include costs of a funeral and burial, expenses for end-of-life care (generally recoverable through a survival action), loss of future earnings, lost benefits, the mental anguish of surviving family members, loss of care and companionship, and more. For assistance determining, calculating, and predicting damages in a fatal car accident case, it is essential to consult with an accident attorney with years of experience handling wrongful death claims like yours. For details on how to find the best lawyer in your area to represent you and your family in this type of legal matter, watch this video.
Importance of Working with a Lawyer on a Wrongful Death Matter
In wrongful death cases, it helps to have an experienced accident attorney who can use their skills and knowledge to determine the resources that may help you and your family get your lives back on track after the sudden loss of your loved one. A two-year statute of limitations generally applies to filing a wrongful death lawsuit, so do not wait to get started on your case. Insurance companies will not be waiting and will not have your best interests at heart as they are focused on protecting their profit margins.
Speak with an experienced Merced wrongful death lawyer at our law firm today and receive compassionate, free, and friendly advice on your case. There are no upfront charges for hiring us to represent you as we handle cases on a contingency fee basis. Therefore, there is nothing to lose and so much to gain when you retain us as your legal counsel.
Car Accident Lawyer in Merced
I’m Ed Smith, a Merced car accident lawyer. The loss of a loved one in a crash caused by the negligence of another party or entity is devastating and painful. Having legal counsel at your side may make all the difference in the outcome of your case in terms of justice and financial compensation. At AutoAccident.com, we have been fighting to protect the rights and interests of our clients since 1982. If you have suffered injuries or lost someone you love in a head-on collision because of someone else’s negligence, give us a call today to learn about your rights and options for recovery moving forward. We offer free, friendly case advice and are only a phone call away. Get started today at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400.
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After the loss of a loved one in a car accident, it is essential to select an attorney who has obtained favorable resolutions on behalf of clients with wrongful death cases just like yours. At our law firm, we have a history of successful past case results. They are available for your review on our Verdicts and Settlements page.
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