Rainy weather can lead to an elevated number of accidents in a day, but that doesn’t mean mother nature will be found to blame for every crash. Drivers are always legally obligated to travel at speeds safe for the conditions.
That means slowing down when roads are slick with rain and standing water. When drivers don’t adjust to safe speeds or travel even faster than in normal conditions, they are ignoring their duty to keep other drivers safe. When devastating accidents occur, reckless drivers can face accountability for the consequences, even when the weather is bad.
Merced County Head-On Crash Kills Driver
A tragic collision in Merced County, west of Merced, left one person dead and another victim hospitalized Wednesday afternoon. ABC30-TV reports the crash occurred near the intersection of Highway 165 and Westside Boulevard on January 11, 2023.
The California Highway Patrol responded to the scene sometime after 3:30 p.m. Investigators determined that the driver veered into the opposite lane for an unknown reason and crashed head-on into a second vehicle.
The driver in the second vehicle was fatally wounded in the crash. The driver of the first vehicle was rushed to the hospital, but the condition of the victim was not released.
Investigators noted rainy conditions at the time of the accident. The cause of the collision is still under investigation, but officers don’t believe drugs or alcohol played a role in what happened.
Seeking Assistance for Victims and Families After a Merced County Accident
Families who have lost a loved one will, of course, never completely get over the grief of such a heartbreaking tragedy.
The close relatives left behind may file a wrongful death claim against an at-fault driver’s auto insurance company. This civil claim would seek help for the family with the costs of a funeral and emergency services fees. A claim also asks for assistance with the loss of income the deceased had always provided the family through employment.
For surviving victims, a claim for damages filed against an at-fault driver’s insurer can prove the best option when trying to get every hospital bill covered. An injury settlement check would also need to reimburse victims for the wages and benefits they lose while missing work. The physical pain and emotional trauma experienced after a frightening accident should also earn compensation.
Contact a Merced County Car Accident Lawyer
After you or a loved one has been the victim of a serious accident, please discuss your case with a Merced car accident lawyer serving all of Merced County. Don’t allow an insurance company to tell you what you should earn in a car accident settlement.
To make sure your family is protected from the unfair practices of car insurance providers, contact an experienced local lawyer such as Martin Gasparian, the founder of Maison Law, for a free consultation. Mr. Gasparian works closely with victims and their families to earn them the compensation they’ll need to rebuild their lives.
