Driver Arrested for DUI After Merced County Crash
A driver was arrested for reportedly driving under the influence (DUI) following a crash in Merced County on March 29, 2020. The car accident occurred around 4:15 p.m. in the area of East Youd Road and Snelling Road, just south of Snelling, CA. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), a Honda sedan driven by a 19-year-old Merced woman was headed southbound on Snelling Road. The Honda was carrying four passengers, including a 17-year-old male and two 19-year-old females in the rear passenger seats, and a 21-year-old male in the front passenger seat. The driver of the Honda attempted to overtake a slower-moving vehicle by entering the oncoming traffic lane. At the same time, another car was approaching the Honda in the northbound lane. For unknown reasons, the Honda veered to the right, left the roadway, and overturned multiple times in a nearby field. None of the occupants in the Honda were ejected during the crash. However, all the passengers were transported to hospitals in the Modesto area for treatment of unspecified injuries. The CHP said the Honda driver was arrested on suspicion of felony DUI. It is not yet known whether the driver of the Honda will face additional charges for the rollover accident.
What Happens in a Rollover Accident?
A rollover is a type of traffic collision that tends to occur with vans, light trucks, and sport utility vehicles (SUVs). Rollover accidents often happen after a driver loses control of a car and overcorrects, drifts into an oncoming traffic lane, or drives at excessive speeds. This type of crash has a high fatality rate due to the violent movement of the car and the impact it has on the occupants. A passenger involved in a rollover is exposed to the risk of catastrophic injuries due to a lack of roof crush resistance. If you were recently involved in a rollover and are unsure of what first steps you should take, watch the video below for a brief summary of what you should do first.
How Do I Claim as an Injured Passenger in a Merced County DUI Crash?
A driver has a duty to their passengers and others on the road to drive carefully and safely to avoid causing an accident. If they do cause a crash while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they may be held financially responsible for the incident. In California, drivers must carry insurance to ensure those injured by their negligence do not suffer without monetary damages. If you were injured in a rollover while a friend or relative was driving, you may feel uneasy about filing a claim against that loved one. However, you should not take this personal, and neither should they. Focusing on your health should be your priority, and you deserve to be compensated for any injuries you suffered in the collision, as well as any medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages you may have incurred.
Do I Need to Hire a Lawyer After a Car Accident?
Working with insurance companies, even your own, may seem like a good idea at the time. However, it is essential to keep in mind that insurers are focused on their own best interests, not yours. Since insurance companies may dispute the facts of your personal injury case to diminish its value, it is critical to seek the assistance of an experienced Merced car accident lawyer. A lawyer will work to advocate on your behalf and ensure insurers do not take advantage of you while you are recovering from your injuries.
Car Accident Lawyer in Merced
I’m Ed Smith, a Merced car accident lawyer. A car accident can cause traumatic trauma, but rollovers can be particularly catastrophic. When someone else was negligent or careless, you should not have to pay for your injuries related to the car wreck. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured after a rollover accident in the Merced area, please call me at (209) 227-1931 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400 to receive my free, friendly advice.
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