Crash Near Los Banos Claims At Least Two Lives

Vehicle Catch Fire in Crash Near Los Banos on I-5

A tragic crash near Los Banos resulted in the deaths of at least two individuals on October 30. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the incident occurred shortly before 1:00 a.m. on I-5 near Highway 152, west of Los Banos. A Honda driver, traveling north on I-5 reportedly crossed the median and collided head-on with a box truck. 

Crash Near Los Banos Being Investigated

The impact caused both vehicles to burst into flames. The CHP traffic accident division is currently investigating the incident. The identities of those who died will be made public by the Merced County Coroner once their families have been informed.

How the Cause of a Head-On Collision Is Determined

Determining the cause of a head-on crash near Los Banos involves a comprehensive accident investigation process. This process typically starts with law enforcement or accident investigators arriving at the scene. They will secure the area to ensure safety and begin gathering initial evidence. This includes taking photographs of the scene and documenting vehicle positions, roadway conditions, weather, and any visible marks or debris. Investigators will also collect witness statements to piece together differing perspectives on how the collision occurred.

Additionally, they may use vehicle data logs or black boxes, which record crucial data such as speed and brake usage before impact. Analyzing this data from a crash near Los Banos can provide insights into driver behavior and mechanical issues. Finally, accident reconstruction experts may be consulted to create a detailed report using all gathered evidence to determine the events leading up to the collision.

How a Family Places a Wrongful Death Claim

When a family decides to file a wrongful death claim, it’s crucial to understand the necessary steps involved. This guide provides a streamlined approach to help them navigate their legal journey.

• Consult with an attorney: Seek legal advice from an experienced wrongful death attorney to evaluate the case’s validity and provide guidance.
• Gather evidence: Your lawyer will collect relevant documents, such as medical records, police reports, and witness statements, to support the claim.
• Establish proof of negligence: Your lawyer can determine and prove that another party’s negligence or intentional harm caused the death.
• Calculate damages: The attorney will assess the economic and non-economic damages associated with the loss.
• File the claim: The lawyer will submit the wrongful death lawsuit in the appropriate court within the statute of limitations.
• Engage in pre-trial negotiations: Your attorney will attempt to settle your case with the responsible party or insurance company.
• Proceed to trial if necessary: If a settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer can argue the case in civil court to seek justice and compensation for the grieving family.

In this video, lawyer Ed Smith explains filing a wrongful death claim:

Merced Attorney for Wrongful Death Claims

I am Ed Smith, a wrongful death attorney in Merced. If you have lost a loved one due to a negligent driver, your family may pursue a wrongful death claim to seek compensation. For free, friendly advice, please contact us at (209) 227-1931 to arrange a consultation. You can also reach us toll-free at (800) 404-5400 or by submitting our online contact form.

We are proud to be part of the Million Dollar Advocates and the Distinguished Counsel, demonstrating our dedication to obtaining maximum compensation for our clients. We encourage you to read testimonials from those we’ve helped on Yelp, Avvo, and Google. You can also review a few of our cases at Settlements & Verdicts.

Photo attribution: Image by Ri Butov from Pixabay

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