Two Injured in Merced County Head-On Collision
Two people were injured in a Merced County head-on collision on the afternoon of July 8, 2019. The accident occurred shortly after 4:40 p.m. along Ingomar Grade just south of Cottonwood Road. A 24-year-old Los Banos man was driving his 1994 Honda south on Ingomar Grade while a 60-year-old Delhi man was headed north in his 2006 Toyota. A preliminary report by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) suggested that the Honda driver made an unsafe turn, veered over the double yellow line, and collided head-on with the Toyota. The Toyota driver was reportedly pinned in his vehicle until emergency responders arrived at the scene to extricate him. The Honda driver suffered moderate injuries, and the Toyota driver’s injuries were described as major. Both drivers were airlifted to the hospital for treatment. Officials have not yet released an update regarding the conditions of the two drivers involved in the car accident.
What Caused the Merced County Head-On Collision?
The cause of the auto accident is under investigation by CHP. Officers on scene reported signs of impairment on the part of the Toyota driver. He was reportedly arrested on suspicion of drunk driving. It is unknown whether he will face additional charges for the collision.
What Damages Are Recoverable in a Merced County Head-On Collision?
A head-on collision can have life-changing, devastating consequences for all involved. This type of auto accident may result in debilitating injuries that have the potential to prove fatal in some extreme cases. When they are caused by the negligence of another driver or entity, the injured person may recover compensation for their losses. This includes:
- Disfigurement for the mental anguish and emotional suffering that the permanent disfigurement or scarring has caused.
- Loss of consortium may be claimed for damage to the marriage in regards to sexual or emotional relations. The inability to conceive children may also be considered for recovery.
- Lost wages, including past, present and projected future loss of earnings.
- Medical expenses for any treatment related to the car accident.
- Pain and suffering, which takes into consideration the type of injury suffered, the extent of pain and symptoms, and future prognosis. This includes psychological, emotional and physical damage that has been caused.
- Permanent disability may be recovered in a car accident for a permanent injury so long as it can be proven by medical testimony.
For information on what factors may affect the value of a personal injury case, watch the below video.
Is There Enough Insurance to Cover a Merced County Head-On Collision?
Medical treatment for injuries sustained in a head-on collision can be costly for the injured person and their family. This is especially true if surgery is needed to treat the injury. If the driver responsible for the accident carries little to no insurance, this can create a stressful financial situation for the injured individual. In such cases, injured people can turn to their own car insurance policy to have their medical bills and other losses covered under their uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM). For recommendations on how much UM/UIM coverage you should carry in the event of an accident, contact an experienced personal injury attorney in Merced.
Do I Need a Lawyer?
The steps toward seeking fair compensation for a head-on collision can be challenging. Retaining an experienced Merced personal injury lawyer can help simplify the process. Having an injury lawyer at your side is vital for filing a personal injury claim, determining liability for a head-on collision, and proving injuries and damages. An attorney can also preserve critical evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and ensure that injured people are not taken advantage of.
Merced Car Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Merced car accident lawyer. The road to recovery after a head-on collision is not always easy, particularly when catastrophic injuries are involved. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, please call me at (209) 227-1931 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400 to receive my free, friendly case advice.
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We have worked with many residents in Merced County to recover the compensation they need and deserve to move forward from their loss. To see how we have resolved past cases for our clients, go to our Verdicts and Settlements page.
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