Two Injured in Car Accident Near Winton
Two people were injured after a car accident near Winton, CA, in Merced County on the morning of January 6, 2020. Officers from the California Highway Patrol (CHP) responded to the scene of the crash shortly after 11:15 a.m. near the intersection of Mercedes Avenue and North Winton Way. A box truck was reportedly involved in a collision with a 1999 Honda Civic in the area. Both of the vehicles came to a stop on the front lawn of a home near the intersection. The driver of the box truck, a 60-year-old Winton resident, complained of pain following the crash and was transported to the Mercy Medical Center in Merced. The Honda driver, identified as an 18-year-old Atwater man, was taken to Modesto Memorial Hospital for treatment of catastrophic injuries. An update regarding the conditions of those injured has not yet been released by officials.
What to Do After a Winton Car Accident
Being involved in a car accident may be stressful and overwhelming, especially if you have not been in one before. Knowing what to do is essential for protecting yourself and your loved ones. Below is a list of steps to keep in mind if you ever find yourself involved in such situations:
- Stop and Call Police: In California, every driver is required to stop, pull their vehicle over to a safe location, and exchange information with others involved in a car accident. Even if serious injuries are not reported, it is still a good idea to contact the police and ask for a traffic collision report to be taken at the scene. Having a police report in hand is essential when filing a claim with an insurance company since they list all involved parties and who was at fault for the crash.
- Collect Evidence: If possible, try to take pictures of the crash site. Be sure to capture images of any skid marks in the road, signage in the area, and damage to all vehicles involved. If you or your passengers have suffered any visible injuries, take pictures of those as well. These will be critical to have when proving your personal injury claim later.
- Witnesses: If anyone witnessed the car wreck, ask for their contact information. Witness testimony can prove to be invaluable in a car accident case, even more so when liability is disputed amongst drivers and their insurance companies.
- Seek Medical Care: Symptoms of specific injuries may not present themselves immediately after a collision, like a traumatic brain injury, and may worsen over time if left untreated. This is why it is essential to schedule an appointment with your doctor after a crash. Your primary provider will know what exams and treatment plans will be most beneficial to you and your needs.
- Report the Crash: You will want to let your insurance company know about the accident as soon as possible. Failing to notify your insurer promptly may result in the denial of coverage that is available to you, such as collision coverage, uninsured/underinsured motorist protection, and med-pay.
To learn about the first steps to take when injured in an auto accident, watch the video below.
Why Do You Need a Lawyer?
A car wreck may cause significant issues and needs, such as finding a way to receive recovery and compensation. This is why an injured person should speak with an injury lawyer who is experienced in handling car accident cases. An experienced attorney knows the best way to proceed in such situations, has the resources to provide for an injured person’s medical needs, and can hire experts to prove the value of the personal injury case. This way, the injured person will not be taken advantage of by insurance companies, including their own, during their recovery.
Personal Injury Lawyer in Merced
I’m Ed Smith, a Merced personal injury lawyer. After a car accident, you may feel overwhelmed with emotional, physical, and financial hardship. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident due to the negligence of someone else, please call me at (209) 227-1931 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400 to receive my free, friendly advice.
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Photo Source: By “StockSnap” via Pixabay
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