Pedestrian Killed in Merced Hit-and-Run
Officials in Merced reported that a pedestrian was killed in a hit-and-run accident on the night of Tuesday, March 29, 2022. The fatal pedestrian accident took place at approximately 10:00 p.m. along Martin Luther King Jr. Way between 15th Street and 14th Street.
Details on the Hit-and-Run in Merced That Killed a Pedestrian
Officers with the Merced Police Department (Merced PD) responded to a report of a car vs. pedestrian accident in the area. Upon the arrival of authorities, they located a female pedestrian lying on the road. First responders rendered lifesaving measures to the injured party. Sadly, their efforts were unsuccessful as the woman succumbed to her injuries at the scene.
A preliminary investigation by Merced PD revealed that surveillance video from a business in the area captured the suspect vehicle. It was described as a 1999 Toyota 4-Runner SUV. The suspect driver and vehicle were later located by investigators within a mile of the fatal hit-and-run accident scene. The SUV allegedly had damage consistent with a pedestrian accident and was impounded by officials. The Toyota driver provided a statement, and no arrests have been made in connection with the incident. Anyone with details about the car vs. pedestrian accident is encouraged to contact Merced PD.
Losing a Loved One in a Fatal Hit-and-Run Accident
A fatal pedestrian accident is hard enough for surviving family members left behind to pick up the pieces. When the incident was the result of a hit-and-run driver, it may be challenging for survivors to know what steps to take afterward, particularly if the at-fault party has not yet been located by local law enforcement. Fortunately, a family can depend on an attorney experienced in handling these cases. A lawyer will use their resources and work with a private investigator to locate the responsible individual to hold them financially accountable for damages incurred.
If the other party cannot be found or has been identified but has no liability coverage, surviving family members may have recourse in their situation if their loved one has uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. This type of benefit may cover damages caused by a driver with no auto insurance or a hit-and-run crash up to the limits of the plan. What is useful about UM protection is that it may extend coverage to other household members. Remember that clear and compelling evidence must prove that the suspect vehicle made contact with the pedestrian and that impact caused fatal injuries. Keep in mind that evidence must be collected and preserved immediately before it is destroyed or lost over time.
In addition to conducting an independent investigation into the fatal incident, your Merced pedestrian accident lawyer will take the time to listen to your story and learn how the loss has impacted you all. Your attorney will utilize this information to gain an advantage when it comes to building a strong case for fair compensation to present in insurance negotiations or in civil court. Remember that a two-year statute of limitations usually applies to wrongful death matters, so do not hesitate to retain legal counsel immediately to make sure that all aspects of your civil case are handled accordingly. For tips and suggestions on how to select the right attorney for your claim, watch this video.
About Our Law Firm
Our team of Merced wrongful death lawyers understands how painful and devastating it is to lose someone you love in an accident caused by the negligence of another party or entity. When your family is ready to take legal action against the other side, we want to help you seek the justice and fair compensation you all deserve. While no amount of money will ever make things right again or bring your beloved family member back, it is essential to hold the at-fault party liable for the damages they have caused and the financial security to move forward.
Our legal team has over three decades of experience assisting surviving family members in Merced County and across California with bringing wrongful death cases. Your family can count on our accident attorneys to provide the experienced and compassionate legal representation you all need during this challenging time. What sets us apart from other law firms is our personalized approach to civil cases we handle. We take the time to get to know your family and understand your goals. With this information, we are able to build a strong and compelling case that shows the insurance company and defense counsel that the death of a loved one has resulted in immense financial and intangible losses. Give us a call today to set up a free consultation to learn more about how we can help.
Personal Injury Lawyer in Merced
I’m Ed Smith, a Merced personal injury lawyer. Words cannot describe the pain and devastation that comes with losing a family member. It may be more challenging to come to terms with when it was the result of a preventable accident. While no amount of compensation can replace what has been lost, surviving family members should not be left behind to shoulder any damages that another driver is liable for. The right wrongful death attorney can help. Fortunately, your family does not have to look further as our law firm has handled cases like yours since 1982. Call us today to set up a free consultation at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400. Our experienced and compassionate lawyers are available anytime to meet with you and your family to provide free, friendly case advice. We handle cases under a contingent fee agreement, so you do not have to worry about upfront costs when you turn to us for legal representation.
Learn more about our law firm and how our injury attorneys have assisted others with their accident cases by visiting:
Our legal team at AutoAccident.com has worked hard to secure favorable outcomes in cases handled on behalf of our clients. The Top 1 Percent and Million Dollar Advocates have recognized our work and case results. We are proudly featured as California members of both groups.
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