Fatal Car Accident on SR-59 in Merced County
Officials are investigating a fatal car accident that occurred on SR-59 in Merced County on the night of Saturday, October 16, 2021. The traffic collision occurred on State Route 59 just north of Freitas Avenue shortly after 8:30 p.m.
Details on the Fatal Car Accident on SR-59 in Merced County
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported that a 2001 Mercedes-Benz sedan was headed northbound on Highway 59. At the same time, a 2018 Dodge Ram was traveling southbound on SR-59. Both vehicles reportedly collided head-on near Freitas Avenue, according to CHP traffic officers.
The Dodge driver, a 53-year-old El Nido man, was taken to Memorial Medical Center in Modesto for treatment of injuries described as minor to moderate. Sadly, the Mercedes-Benz driver was declared deceased at the scene by officials. Authorities have recently identified the decedent as 80-year-old Lloyd Riggen of San Jose. The incident remains under investigation by CHP.
What You Should Know About the Claims Process
A head-on collision is a type of car accident where the front ends of two vehicles strike one another while approaching in opposite directions. They are considered the most dangerous traffic collisions due to the significant injuries and damages they may cause in comparison to other types of crashes. Even at a low speed, a head-on collision may have serious repercussions on those injured and the families of those who have lost their lives.
In situations where one of the parties involved in the incident suffered traumatic injuries, a personal injury claim may be brought against the driver responsible for the crash for damages incurred. Conversely, a family may take legal action against the at-fault party if the head-on collision they caused resulted in the loss of their loved one. The process generally involves filing a claim against the insurance company representing the driver responsible for the car wreck. If the driver did not have liability coverage or not enough insurance to cover all resulting damages, an injured party or a family of a decedent may bring a claim under their policy if they carry uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM).
After an auto accident, you want to be fairly compensated for your losses and what you have gone through. However, it is not uncommon for insurers to attempt to get out of paying what injured parties and families of decedents deserve. The unfortunate reality is that insurance companies often take advantage of claimants for their unfamiliarity with the claims process. Retaining legal counsel is an effective way for injured parties and surviving family members to take back control of their lives after a head-on collision. For information on how to find the best attorney to handle a wrongful death case, watch this video.
About Our Legal Team
At our law firm, we want those we represent to focus on getting better and being with their loved ones. That is what matters most in the time following a head-on collision resulting in serious injury or a loss of a loved one. We understand that there may be a wide array of obstacles that may stand in the way of speaking with an attorney and seeking the help you need. When you contact our legal team, your case evaluation is free. If you decide to hire us to represent you, we will handle your case under a contingency fee arrangement. This means that there is no cost until we obtain fair compensation on your behalf.
Personal Injury Attorney in Merced
I’m Ed Smith, a Merced personal injury attorney. A head-on collision may result in severe consequences, and you will want an experienced injury attorney on your side to ensure you are fairly compensated for your losses. At our law firm, we have decades of experience handling personal injury and wrongful death claims arising from motor vehicle collisions. When you are ready to discuss your case and learn about your options for recovery moving forward, contact us today at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400. A member of our team is available anytime to meet with you and your family and provide free, friendly advice on your case.
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It is essential to work with an injury attorney that has the experience and proven track record of results in cases like yours. To see our list of past case results, go to our Verdicts and Settlements page.
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