Head-On Collision Fatally Injures Three Near Merced
I’m Ed Smith, a Merced car accident lawyer. Three individuals passed away after a head-on collision outside Merced on May 29, 2018. The accident took place shortly after 9:30 a.m. along East Yosemite Avenue in the vicinity of Kibby Road. A 1996 Nissan Sentra was traveling westbound toward Merced and was reportedly attempting to overtake two slower vehicles by entering the eastbound lane of the roadway. While doing so, the Nissan collided head-on with an oncoming 2000 Honda Civic. The impact of the collision caused the Honda to be thrown along the shoulder of the road while the Nissan overturned. Unfortunately, the accident caused serious injuries to one party and claimed the lives of three.
My thoughts and prayers are with those grieving the loss of their loved ones during this difficult time.
Identity of Victims
Two of the three victims have been identified by the Merced County Coroner’s Office as Brian Martin, a 46-year-old of Merced and John Harris, a 40-year-old of Atwater. The identity of the third victim has been withheld as investigators are searching for their next-of-kin.
Accident Investigation
The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol (CHP). Officials reported that “unsafe passing” may have contributed to the fatal accident.
Head-On Collisions
Head-on collisions transpire less frequently than other types of crashes; however, the damages involved are most often severe. This occurs since the impact reflects both the weight and speed traveled by both vehicles. These collisions are more common along rural roads, constituting thirteen percent of fatal accidents compared to seven percent on urban streets. Common factors associated with such crashes include speeding, drunk, and distracted driving.
Injuries from Head-On Collisions
Head-on collisions can produce some of the most severe injuries imaginable. These injuries can include:
- Bone Fractures: These are commonly associated with traffic accidents involving high-velocity impacts as the force can cause trauma to the bones. Fractures of the skull, spinal cord, ribs, pelvis and upper and lower extremities are common in these collisions.
- Spinal Cord Trauma: The spinal column consists of bony vertebrae from the base of the skull to the pelvis. These vertebrae offer protection to the spinal cord with a network of delicate fibers and nerves, transmitting motor signals and sensory functions throughout the body. In the event of an accident causing damage to the nerves, it can further lead to a permanent loss of function.
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): This type of injury often occurs in car accidents where an individual’s head comes into contact with the dashboard, steering wheel or window of the vehicle. Some symptoms of TBI include changes in mood, memory loss, slurred speech, fatigue, nausea, and difficulty concentrating.
How an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
When facing an injury or the passing of a loved one in a head-on collision, it is crucial to have an attorney by your side to retrieve fair compensation for resulting damages. A seasoned lawyer can conduct their own investigation of the scene to properly determine liability by enlisting the assistance of an accident reconstruction expert. These crash specialists may not only determine the reason why the accident occurred but also decide whether defective vehicle products or poor roadway design contributed to the traumatic collision.
Merced Car Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Merced car accident lawyer. Accidents are capable of causing life-changing consequences to those involved. If you or someone you love was injured in an accident due to another’s negligence, I am available at any time to offer you free and friendly legal advice. Please contact me at (209) 227-1931 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400.
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