Motorists on long, straight rural roads can’t always trust that oncoming drivers will remain in their lanes. A careless driver or a driver under the influence of a drug or alcohol may suddenly enter the path of an unsuspecting motorist to cause a devastating head-on collision.
Head-on impacts cause the most harm to passengers when compared to other types of impact angles. The speeds of both cars factor into the impact to increase the forces unleashed on victims. The injuries can be severe and even life-threatening.
DUI Suspect Blamed for Fiery Head-On Collision in Merced
A DUI suspect was arrested after a two-car collision that left one driver with serious injuries in Merced County. KSEE-TV reported the accident occurred around 6 p.m. Tuesday evening between Merced and Turlock on July 26, 2022.
The California Highway Patrol responded to the scene on Santa Fe Drive near the intersection of Olive Avenue near the Winton community. Upon arrival, investigators determined that a Mustang, driven by a man in his 40s, going southbound entered the path of a minivan going northbound to cause a head-on collision. The minivan overturned and caught fire and a Good Samaritan had to pull the driver out of the wreckage.
The driver of the minivan, a man in his 50s, was taken to the hospital with major injuries but is expected to survive.
The driver of the Mustang was reportedly trying to flee the scene on foot, but CHP officers detained him. CHP officers determined the driver of the Mustang was operating a motor vehicle while under the influence. The driver will face DUI charges, bodily injuries, and felony hit-and-run charges.
Support for Victims After a Merced County DUI Accident
Victims who have been injured in a car accident caused by a reckless and irresponsible driver usually must take action to hold the driver’s insurance provider responsible. Victims will face enormous hospital bills and may be unable to earn income at work while they are healing. Funding for a full recovery isn’t always guaranteed when dealing with unhelpful insurance adjusters.
By filing a claim for damages, victims are requesting help with all current bills and losses and any bills for healthcare expected in the future.
When the drivers to blame are accused of DUI they’ll be facing criminal charges. However, injured victims don’t have to wait on the outcome of a trial to receive support. Their civil claim can move forward independently of any criminal proceedings.
Contact a Merced DUI Car Accident Lawyer
After a traffic accident, please rely on an experienced Merced car accident attorney to handle your case and protect what’s important to you. Insurance companies aren’t required to tell you about every benefit available to you and your family. When you aren’t informed of your rights, you can lose out on valuable resources and end up paying for a large chunk of remaining recovery bills out-of-pocket.
That should never be the case when you are put through such a traumatic accident through no fault of your own. Take advantage of a free case consultation that comes with no obligation to you or your family. Make sure you are treated fairly and receive the support you need to fully recover and get back to your normal life.
