Drunk Driving Suspected in Single Vehicle Crash Near Merced County
I’m Ed Smith, a Merced car accident lawyer. A woman and her family were involved in a single vehicle accident in Planada on the evening of Saturday, December 16, 2017. Authorities suspect that drunk driving may have been involved as a contributing factor to this injury collision.
My hopes and prayers for a full and speedy recovery go out to all the innocent parties injured in this tragic accident.
What Happened?
An officer from the California Highway Patrol (CHP) was conducting a traffic stop along Santa Fe Avenue in the vicinity of Childs Avenue at approximately 7:30 pm. The CHP officer observed a 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe traveling at an estimated speed of 60 miles per hour westbound along Sante Fe Avenue moments before allegedly running a stop sign. The Chevrolet then struck several metal poles and support wires for an electrical pole. The vehicle finally came to a stop after colliding with a grain silo.
Nature of Injuries
Paramedics were called to the scene of the auto accident. Upon arrival, medical crews located a female driver, her husband, and their four children. The children, between the ages of 5 months old to 7 years old, were taken to the Valley Children’s Hospital as a precautionary measure. The female motorist was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Her husband appeared to have suffered major leg injuries and was airlifted to a hospital in Modesto.
What Caused the Accident?
Authorities conducted a field sobriety test on the female driver of the Chevrolet Tahoe. The test reportedly indicated that the driver was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the collision. After medical treatment, the driver will likely be arrested and booked into the Merced County Jail.
Car Accidents and Passenger Injuries
When a passenger has been involved in a car accident, they have a variety of options available to them. In car accident cases, passengers share the same rights as drivers to recover compensation for their damages. Drivers are obligated to operate their vehicle and exercise due care to ensure the safety of their passengers and other travelers on the roadway. Sometimes, car accidents are caused as a result of:
- Distracted Driving
- Drunk Driving
- Fatigued Driving
- Reckless Driving
If you or a family member has suffered injuries as a passenger in a car accident, it is important to secure your rights with a seasoned Merced personal injury lawyer. An experienced attorney will obtain fair compensation for your incurred losses from such traumatic events.
More posts by Edward A Smith:
- How Do I Know if I Have a Claim Worth Pursuing?
- Do I Have a Time Limit in Which to Bring a Claim?
- Pediatric Vertebral Dislocation Can Occur in an Auto Accident
Merced Car Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Merced car accident lawyer. Being involved in a motor vehicle accident can be a traumatic, life-changing experience. If a car accident has caused you or someone you love to suffer injuries, please call me at (209) 227-1931 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly advice.
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