Suspected DUI Accident Fatally Injures Woman Near Merced County
I’m Ed Smith, a Merced Car Accident Lawyer. A San Jose woman was riding as a passenger of a motor vehicle near Los Banos on the night of Sunday, December 24, 2017. Sadly, this would be the last car ride the woman would take after being involved in an unforeseen single vehicle accident.
I would like to share my condolences with the loved ones of Ms. Chavez-Olivia who passed away in this senseless accident.
What Happened?
A 30-year-old San Jose man was driving a 1999 Honda sedan westbound along Highway 152 in the vicinity of Upper Cottonwood Road at approximately 11:26 pm. The Honda driver allegedly allowed their vehicle to veer off the roadway, which caused the Honda to travel down a steep hill. The impact of the collision caused the Honda to sustain major front-end damage as a result.
Nature of Injuries
Emergency crews were called to the area of the single vehicle accident. Upon arrival, they located the two injured parties in the wrecked Honda. The driver of the Honda suffered unspecified major injuries and was transported to a hospital in Modesto. The woman sitting in the front passenger of the Honda, devastatingly, suffered fatal injuries due to the accident.
Identity of Victim
The Merced County Coroner’s Office has identified the victim as 66-year-old Rafaela Chavez-Olivera of San Jose.
What Caused the Accident?
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) has not yet released an exact cause of the auto accident. However, officials indicated in a news release that the Honda driver was under the influence of alcohol leading up to the accident. The driver may face a variety of charges by CHP investigators once he is released from the hospital.
Passenger Injury Claims and Auto Accidents
When a passenger has suffered injuries in an auto accident, they are entitled to the same rights as the involved drivers. Passengers may file an injury claim within the statute of limitations (two years from the date of injury in California) to receive compensation for their losses. Passengers are encouraged to receive immediate treatment following an accident and document all of their symptoms to receive the best medical treatment options available from their providers. Hiring an experienced Merced personal injury lawyer is crucial in investigating an accident and obtaining just compensation for incurred personal injury damages.
Grieving the Loss of a Loved One
Losing a loved one in an unexpected accident is one of the most heart-wrenching experiences one may challenge in their lifetime. The bereavement process to follow after such tragedies may cause grieving parties to manifest in both emotional and physical symptoms. It is important to keep in mind that all feelings during this period are valid and vary from person-to-person. Not all parties experience grief the same way or for the same length of time.
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Merced Car Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Car Accident Lawyer in Merced. Losing a member in your family is never an easy thing, especially when that member was taken unexpectedly in an auto accident. If an accident has caused you or a family member to suffer traumatic or even fatal injuries, please call me at (209) 227-1931 for free, friendly advice. You may also connect with me free of toll at (800) 404-5400 and online at AutoAccident.com.
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