Merced County Drunk Driving Accident Injures Four
I’m Ed Smith, a Merced car accident lawyer. Recently, a 20-year-old Delhi woman allegedly caused an accident while under the influence of alcohol that caused injury to three other parties. The collision occurred along Highway 99 in the vicinity of Shanks Road near Delhi where a woman was driving her 2009 Toyota Corolla southbound in the northbound lanes of the highway. While traveling against the flow of traffic, her Toyota sideswiped a 1998 Dodge Durango SUV moments before colliding head-on with a 2008 Nissan Altima sedan. The impact of the collision caused the Toyota and Nissan to veer out of control and strike the center median, which left occupants of both vehicles with serious injuries.
Emergency Response
Medical personnel arrived at the scene to render aid to those injured in the accident. The Nissan driver was transported to the Memorial Medical Center in Modesto for treatment of rib injuries while his passenger suffered a leg fracture and was taken to the Doctors Medical Center in Modesto. The rear passenger of the Nissan, identified as the 7-year-old son of the driver, suffered facial lacerations and a jaw fracture and was transported to the Valley Children’s Hospital located in Madera. The Toyota driver sustained a pelvic fracture and is expected to charges for allegedly driving while intoxicated.
How to Spot a Drunk Driver on the Road
Drunk driving is a serious issue all year round. It is crucial to understand the signs of a suspected drunk driver to ensure your safety on the road. These signs of alcohol impairment may include:
- Erratic or inappropriate braking
- Coming to a stop without probable cause
- Delayed response to traffic signs or signals
- Driving on the wrong side of the road
- Driving significantly slower than the posted speed limit
- Traveling usually near a middle lane marker or shoulder
- Weaving in and out of a lane
- Wide radius turning movements
If a driver is exhibiting any of the above behaviors, maintain a safe distance from their vehicle and drive defensively. Contact local law enforcement or 911 to report a suspected drunk driver and never attempt to stop or follow their car.
Types of Accidents Caused by Drunk Drivers
The most common type of accident caused by a drunk driver is drowsy driving. In many cases, the driver falls asleep while their foot is still applying pressure on the accelerator pedal. In addition to the inability to steer, this can cause a single vehicle accident when the car veers off the road and collides with a fixed object. Rear-end collisions are also common among intoxicated drivers as their judgment may be impaired in calculating the distance of their vehicle from other cars. Drunk driving is also attributable to wrong-way accidents as impaired motorists may enter the wrong side of the freeway or roadway.
How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help
Individuals who have suffered injuries in an accident caused by the negligence of another party, such as drunk driving, may have the right to recover compensation for those injuries and damages incurred. These damages may include medical bills, time lost from work, and other related losses. For instance, any medical costs related to treating an injury from the accident may be recovered, including medical tests, rehabilitation bills, primary physician visits, and other associated expenses. Many people may sometimes miss time at work as they recuperate from their serious injuries. In other cases, some may not be able to work again due to the limitations caused by their injuries. If this situation applies to you or your loved one, contacting an experienced personal injury attorney in Merced can make the difference. A skilled attorney will work in the best interests of an injured party by investigating further into the matter to collect evidence and present a strong case for fair compensation of those expenses.
Merced Car Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Merced car accident lawyer. The consequences of drunk driving are endless as they cause many accidents each year resulting in serious injury or even death. If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a crash caused by a drunk driver, call me any time at (209) 227-1931 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly advice.
Since 1982, I have represented residents of Merced and other areas of Northern California in recovering fair compensation for their personal injury and wrongful death cases.
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As a California member of the Million Dollar Advocates, I join other trial attorneys who have won a verdict or settlement worth $1 million and over for a prior client.
Go to our Verdicts and Settlements page to find information about our earlier cases and their outcomes.
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