A head-on collision claimed the life of a motorist around 4:18 a.m., Monday, October 7, 2019, just south of the San Joaquin River and 10 miles west of Merced. According to the California Highway Patrol, the accident happened when a 2019 Honda Civic crossed the centerline of Highway 165 and struck a 1995 Honda Civic.
Tragically, the driver of the 1995 Civic died at the scene. Police are still investigating the accident, and no charges have been filed at this time.
Head-On Collision Accidents
A head-on collision is one of the deadliest accidents according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Head-on collisions only make of 2 percent of all accidents, but they account for over 10 percent of all accident fatalities every year.
The reason is because the force of the impact is made greater by the weight and velocity of both vehicles. Another problem with a head-on crash is the secondary impact the victims endure when the force of the collision throws them forward then violently back again compounding injuries from the initial impact.
Some head-on crashes cause the vehicle to leave the roadway or rollover ejecting the victims. When these happen, the chance of a fatality or severe injury greatly increases.
What Should I do if I’m Injured in a Head-on Collision?
The most important thing to do is to focus on hour health and rehabilitation. During this time, do not talk to an insurance agent or their attorneys. Even if you feel that what you say is accurate and truthful, it can be used against you to lower your compensation.
Then when you are able, talk to an attorney who can give you unbiased advice and a case evaluation. In this way, you will be informed of your rights and have an understanding of the law.
Fatal Accidents and Wrongful Death Claims:
Knowing that a crash could have been prevented makes these incidents that much more painful. While no attorney can bring back the deceased, if you ever lose a loved one in a fatal crash you should be aware of wrongful death claims. Insurers are highly unlikely to make you aware of this type of claim. This procedure sets forth how heirs of a deceased person can pursue a wrongful death claim as the result of a wrongful act or negligence on the part of another party, parties, or entity.
The law in California allows heirs to seek monetary damages in a wrongful death claim. Each heir who meets the requirements of the code section qualifies for losses resulting from the death of a loved one (decedent).
Contacting an attorney after a fatality.
Losing a loved one is devastating and is made worse when there is a chance another party was responsible for the death. Maison Law can help you seek closure and damages for your losses by guiding you through the complexities of filing a suit.
Reach out to Maison Law in California today if you need a lawyer who will represent you with understanding and compassion.
