Alleged Merced County DUI Fatally Injures Two
Information released by officials of the California Highway Patrol (CHP) indicates that two people tragically lost their lives in an alleged Merced County DUI on Thursday, October 24, 2019. The accident involved two vehicles and left two more people with injuries. While one of the injured individuals suffered minor trauma, the other was hospitalized and in serious condition following the accident. So far, neither of the identities of the decedents have been released by Merced County authorities. Police say that they have placed one of the drivers involved in the accident under arrest on charges related to DUI. The accident remains under active investigation.
Crash Information
A 43-year-old Sacramento man had been driving a 2008 Ford Crown Victoria on Santa Fe Drive to the south of the community of Denair. The Ford was heading west when it drifted left and entered the eastbound traffic lane. After entering oncoming traffic, the Ford struck a 2004 Chevrolet van head-on.
Response and Arrest
CHP sent response staff to the crash site directly after receiving a notification of the accident via phone call. Upon arriving, emergency responders discovered that the woman driving the Chevrolet, as well as her front-right passenger, had suffered critical injuries. Tragically, both individuals passed away on-site. A third passenger in the rear of the van was discovered with major trauma and rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Responders found the driver of the Ford had suffered minor injuries during the incident and had him transported to a Modesto area hospital. Before being hospitalized, police placed the man under arrest for driving under the influence of an unspecified narcotic. After receiving medical care, the man was reportedly transferred to the county jail, where he faces two felony charges related to the crash.
Investigation
As police continue to conduct an investigation into the circumstances of this accident, CHP has asked for help from the public. Any person who may have information about the crash should call Merced CHP’s non-emergency phone number, (209) 365-6600.
In cases like this one, it can be difficult for investigators to get a full picture of what happened during the accident because one of the involved drivers is unable to offer their testimony about the crash. For this reason, it is critical to get in touch with an experienced wrongful death attorney who can investigate the accident themselves in order to defend your family’s right to compensation.
Wrongful Death Damages
The effects of fatal vehicle crashes can be devastating to families. Not only is dealing with grief a very difficult and confusing process, but fatal crashes also often cause major financial issues such as loss of income, medical bills, funeral expenses, and more. In order to recover these losses and have financial stability while they are enduring a difficult time, families can file wrongful death claims against negligent parties and their insurance companies. To learn more about wrongful death claims, you can watch the below video:
More Articles by Ed Smith, Merced Wrongful Death Lawyer
- Head-On Collision in Merced Kills One
- What is a Merced Personal Injury Lawyer?
- Two Die in Merced County Crash
Merced Wrongful Death Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Merced wrongful death lawyer. If a car accident has fatally injured someone you care about, please call my office as soon as you can by dialing (800) 404-5400 or (209) 227-1931. During our phone call, I’ll be able to give you free, friendly advice so that you can move forward with claiming the compensation you deserve.
My excellent legal team and I have worked with Merced county residents on wrongful death cases for more than 37 years. You can see our history of successful advocacy by viewing the settlements and verdicts page on our website. Additionally, you can find reviews of my work written by my valued clients on:
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