Merced County Head-On Crash
A sports utility vehicle and a pickup truck were involved in a Merced County head-on crash on February 20, 2019. The incident occurred along Santa Fe Drive near Merced. A driver of a 2000 GMC pickup truck was traveling eastbound along Santa Fe Drive when his vehicle entered the oncoming traffic lane. The GMC then collided head-on with a westbound 2011 Ford Escape SUV. The impact of the collision caused the GMC to come to a rest blocking both lanes of the road while the Ford overturned off the roadway. Medical personnel responding to the scene transported the GMC driver to a local hospital for treatment of an ankle fracture. The Ford driver was also taken to the hospital to receive treatment for arm and facial abrasions. The passengers of the Ford, a 6-month-old boy, and a 2-year-old boy, were uninjured in the collision. An update regarding the conditions of those injured in the head-on collision has not yet been released by officials.
Investigation of the Merced County Head-On Crash
The crash remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol (CHP). It is unclear to officials why the GMC driver crossed into oncoming traffic. However, officials do not believe alcohol or drugs contributed to the collision.
Rollover Accidents
When vehicles are involved in a rollover, their roofs strike the ground and crush inward toward the occupants inside. Deformed roofs can cause occupants to be ejected through windshields, windows or doors that have been opened or broken. This can result in traumatic injuries or death to those involved in a rollover accident. Conversely, automakers are required to adhere to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 216 regarding roof crush resistance. If a roof is manufactured in a way that fails to withstand a force of 1.5 times the weight of the vehicle, an auto products liability claim may be filed against the automaker for damages incurred in a rollover. For more details, contact an experienced attorney.
Common Injuries in a Head-On Collision
A head-on collision can result in serious injuries for those involved. The extent of severity is based upon the speed traveled by each vehicle and the area of frontal impact. Some of the common injuries sustained in these car wrecks include cervical sprain, bone fractures, dashboard knee, traumatic brain injuries, and more. When this happens, an injury claim may be filed against the party responsible for the accident. To learn how the value of an injury claim is determined, watch the below video.
Recoverable Damages in an Auto Accident
When a person is injured in an auto accident caused by the fault of another driver or entity, the injured party may be able to collect compensation for their losses. However, necessary facts and evidence of negligence on the part of the other party must be proven to recover damages such as:
- Past and future medical bills
- Past and future wage loss
- Disfigurement, including the emotional suffering caused by the scarring and the cost of cosmetic surgery to minimize the appearance of the unsightly mark
- Loss of consortium if an injury causes damage to the marital relationship
- Emotional suffering and physical pain
How a Merced Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
Filing a personal injury claim against a negligent driver or entity can be difficult to handle alone. This is due to insurance companies often disputing the claim as an attempt to minimize or deny the amount of compensation for your accident injuries. In these situations, it is best to reach out to an experienced personal injury lawyer in Merced. An injury lawyer can ensure that your rights are protected while you recover from your injuries.
Merced Personal Injury Attorney
I’m Ed Smith, a Merced personal injury attorney. A Merced County head-on collision can lead to life-changing consequences for those involved. If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident due to the fault of a negligent motorist or entity, I am here to provide you with free, friendly advice on your situation. Please feel free to call me anytime at (209) 227-1931 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400.
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Merced County Head-On Crash: AutoAccident.com
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