Man Hospitalized After Crash in Merced County
A man was hospitalized, and another was arrested following a suspected DUI crash in Merced County on Tuesday, July 20, 2021. The wreck occurred shortly before 1:20 a.m. on southbound State Route 99 just north of Collier Road.
Details on the Merced County Crash That Left a Man Hospitalized
Officers with the California Highway Patrol (CHP) responded to the scene and located a trailer and two vehicles. A preliminary report suggested a 2021 Dodge Ram was driven by a 25-year-old man from Manteca southbound on Highway 99. He safely drove his vehicle onto the right shoulder to inspect the hitch of the utility trailer he was towing. There was one passenger in his vehicle at the time, a 24-year-old Turlock man who stayed inside.
While the Manteca man was inspecting the connection between his pickup truck and the utility truck, a 23-year-old Turlock man was driving a 2006 Honda Accord and was approaching the Dodge. The Honda driver reportedly crashed into the rear of the trailer, propelling it forward and causing the Dodge driver to be pinned between the pickup and the trailer.
CHP traffic officers indicated that the Honda driver allegedly fled the scene on foot heading west of SR-99. With help from the Merced County Sheriff’s Office and witnesses, the Honda driver was later found hiding in a grass field. He sustained injuries described as minor and consistent with the wreck. A field sobriety test was conducted based on observations by investigators. After medical clearance at a local hospital, he was booked into Merced County Jail on several charges.
The Dodge driver was left with serious injuries and was taken to Memorial Medical Center in Modesto. He was last reported to be in critical condition. The passenger reported pain but declined treatment, according to officials. Further details on the wreck were not immediately available.
Car Accidents and the Claims Process
No matter how minor or severe a crash is, every motor vehicle collision has the potential to overwhelm those involved. This is especially true in the insurance claims process. While liability may be clear, the injured party should not expect that the insurance carrier representing the other driver may be willing to admit it as such. An insurance company is focused on doing everything within its power to pay as little as possible to injured people to resolve their claims. This may include using defense tactics intended to downplay the value of a personal injury claim or outright deny it.
Any person who has been seriously injured in a car accident should not discuss their personal injury claim with the insurer until they have spoken with an experienced attorney. An injury lawyer with years of experience will know the best way to proceed in the case and working to obtain full and fair compensation on behalf of the injured party. Watch the video below to learn what to look for in the right attorney for your auto accident case.
How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help After a DUI Crash
Injuries from a drunk driving accident may not be only serious, they may leave injured parties with immense harm and damages. However, the injured person should not have to endure the consequences of someone else’s negligence. Instead, they deserve justice and fair compensation for the harm they have experienced. The types of compensation recoverable may include medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses. Punitive damages may also be sought from the impaired motorist as a way of holding them accountable for egregious conduct.
In the aftermath of a DUI crash, there is a lot of uncertainty involved. Seeking the assistance of a skilled injury attorney is crucial to relieving some of the burdens and ensuring you are fairly compensated for your losses. If you have questions about your case, our legal team is available anytime to answer them. Contact our law firm now to learn more about your rights and potential options.
Personal Injury Lawyer in Merced
I’m Ed Smith, a Merced personal injury lawyer. Injuries from a traffic collision may leave you facing mounting medical bills, lost earnings, and more. At our law firm, we will handle all aspects of your personal injury claim so you can focus on recovering while we work to getting you the best outcome possible for your case. To learn more, contact us at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400. We are available anytime to speak with you and provide free, friendly advice.
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Our law firm is dedicated to helping injured people and their families move on with their lives after serious car accidents. We do everything we can to ensure those we represent are fairly compensated for their losses. To see how we have handled past cases, visit our Verdicts and Settlements page.
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