Major Injury Pedestrian Crash in Merced
Authorities in Merced reported a major injury pedestrian crash on the night of Sunday, March 20, 2022. Officers with the California Highway Patrol (CHP) responded to the scene at the Childs Avenue off-ramp on southbound State Route 99 around 10:00 p.m.
Details on the Major Injury Pedestrian Crash on Highway 99 in Merced
Officials indicated that a 43-year-old man from Merced was walking across the Childs Avenue off-ramp when he was allegedly hit by an oncoming vehicle described as a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. CHP traffic officers said the Chevrolet driver was reportedly taking the exit for Childs Avenue and was unable to spot the pedestrian in the road because of insufficient street lighting.
A 2001 Toyota Venza was traveling behind the Chevrolet at the time of the pedestrian accident in Merced. The Toyota allegedly veered off the roadway to avoid crashing into the Chevrolet with locked wheels. This caused the Toyota to travel down an embankment. Authorities reported that the Chevrolet driver and Toyota driver were both uninjured in the incident. The pedestrian was treated for serious injuries at Doctors Medical Center in Modesto. An update regarding the injured pedestrian’s condition was not immediately available.
Things to Know About Car vs. Pedestrian Accident Cases
When a pedestrian is involved in a crash with a motor vehicle, the pedestrian is often left with serious, life-changing injuries. That is because of a pedestrian’s lack of physical protection against a car, leaving them vulnerable to severe trauma. When a driver fails to exercise due care and causes a pedestrian accident, a personal injury claim may be filed against them and their insurance company for economic and non-economic damages. This may include medical bills, wage loss, pain and suffering, and other losses in connection with the car vs. pedestrian accident.
Under certain circumstances, the pedestrian may have to fall back on their auto insurance policy or that of a household member if the other side has little to no liability coverage. This is possible through bringing a claim under their uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. For an injured party to be eligible for UM and UIM protection under a household member’s insurance policy, they cannot be listed as excluded members of the plan. This type of coverage will pay for damages up to the limits of the policy, depending on the facts and circumstances involved in the case.
After a pedestrian accident resulting in traumatic injuries, it is not uncommon for the insurance company to attempt to downplay the severity of resulting losses or deny the claim. That is because insurers are in the business of paying as little as possible on injury cases as a way of protecting their profit margins. Regardless of what an insurer says, if you suffered injuries in a traffic collision as a pedestrian, you may have grounds for a bodily injury claim. Discussing your case with an experienced injury attorney is the first step in exploring your options for financial recovery in your situation. Suggestions on how to find a top-rated accident lawyer in your area to handle your pedestrian accident case are available in the following video.
Importance of Hiring an Attorney for a Pedestrian Accident Case
Medical expenses and lost wages may quickly add up aside from other accident-related losses. An initial settlement offer from the insurance company may not fully cover the damages incurred. Regardless of the situation, it pays to work with an attorney with years of experience handling pedestrian accident cases like yours. It may improve your chances of a successful resolution when bringing an injury case forward. At our law firm, we have extensive experience in insurance negotiations and in the courtroom, and we will go the extra mile for you and your case. Give us a call today to learn more about our legal team and how we can help you through this challenging time. We are always available to offer free case evaluations.
Personal Injury Lawyer in Merced
I’m Ed Smith, a Merced personal injury lawyer. All too often, drivers are unaware of their surroundings. This may have life-changing consequences for others on the road, including pedestrians. When motorists fail to exercise due care to pedestrians, they may be held liable for damages arising from accidents caused by their negligence. At AutoAccident.com, our legal team is focused on helping parties injured in crashes through the legal process. We have over three decades of experience and have secured fair compensation on behalf of our clients. Find out more about our legal team and schedule a free consultation by contacting us at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400. You are welcome to contact our injury lawyers anytime to receive free, friendly case advice.
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