Pedestrians can travel in and around Highway 99 in Merced, but find that safe crosswalks are few and far between. This lack of safety measures for those on foot combined with the carelessness of local drivers proves very dangerous for many pedestrians each week.
Drivers owe defenseless pedestrians a special “duty of care” no matter where they may meet them. This duty should be taken seriously, especially at night, when distracted drivers are even less likely to spot someone near the road. One glance away from a lane can lead to a pedestrian strike and a life-threatening event.
Woman Struck and Killed by Hit-And-Run Driver in Merced
A woman lost her life in a tragic pedestrian accident involving a hit-and-run driver in Merced Tuesday night. KGPE-TV reports the accident occurred around 10 p.m. near the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Way and 14th Street on March 29, 2022.
The Merced Police Department was dispatched to the area after a call about a pedestrian being struck by an SUV. Officers found a woman believed to be in her 40s in the roadway suffering from major injuries. Officers began performing life-saving measures, but say she was later pronounced dead on the scene.
Investigators say an SUV had struck the woman and left the scene without stopping. The SUV believed to have been involved was found a few blocks away. Police haven’t released whether they have a hit-and-run suspect in custody.
Seeking Support for Families After a Merced Pedestrian Accident
A fatal pedestrian accident becomes all the more heartbreaking when the driver responsible doesn’t bother to stop and take responsibility. Grieving families are left to wonder how justice can be served while a hit-and-run suspect remains free.
Those families can face financial turmoil in a few short days. They will see bills arrive for a funeral and burial, emergency response, and estate settlement. Close relatives also face the loss of income the victim may have provided family members through a weekly paycheck.
If a hit-and-run suspect is arrested, a civil wrongful death claim can immediately be filed against the driver. This claim would seek to protect the family financially in the present and in the years down the road.
If a suspect remains unidentified, a family may be able to file a claim against the victim’s own car insurance policy. This would call upon the portion of the policy covering uninsured and underinsured motorists. If the victim didn’t have a policy, it’s possible the victim would be covered by another family member’s policy.
Contact a Merced Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
If you have had a loved one taken from you by a careless driver, don’t trust insurance companies to treat you and your family fairly. No matter what insurance policy is called upon, a Merced Pedestrian Accident Lawyer is a valuable safeguard to make sure everyone receives fair support after a tragedy.
Martin Gasparian offers a free case evaluation for all victims. It’s a no-risk way to find out about every benefit available to your family. Contact Mr. Gasparian to schedule a free and confidential consultation today.
