Merced, CA – On the afternoon of Friday, September 4, 2026, a collision with a medical transportation service vehicle resulted in a 70-year-old man losing his life, according to ABC30.
The Merced Police Department reports that the accident took place near G and 21st Streets.
Authorities said the man entered the roadway on his scooter for reasons that remain under investigation and was struck by a medical transportation service vehicle displaying stickers identifying it as an ambulance, though police clarified it was more accurately described as a medical transportation vehicle. First responders attempted life-saving measures, but the man died at the scene.
Two employees of the transport company were inside the vehicle at the time, and the driver remained at the scene. The vehicle was not responding to a call and was not carrying any patients, and it is not contracted with the Merced Police Department.
Merced Police Sergeant Jacob Fister said investigators do not believe drugs or alcohol were factors, and described the incident as a traumatic accident based on the evidence gathered so far. He added that the circumstances leading the man to enter the roadway remain under investigation.
Officials reminded motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians to remain aware of their surroundings, noting the community’s high volume of walkers and cyclists. Active Transport Medical Service, identified in photos from the scene, declined to comment.
Merced Car Accidents and Wrongful Death Claims
California law requires all drivers, including those operating commercial and medical transport vehicles, to exercise reasonable care to avoid colliding with pedestrians and others sharing the roadway. Because the vehicle involved was not responding to an emergency call, it would not have been entitled to any of the exemptions California law extends to vehicles operating under emergency conditions, meaning ordinary traffic laws and standards of care would apply in full.
Given that the vehicle belongs to a private medical transport company rather than a government agency, the company’s own insurance and any records regarding its driver’s training and vehicle maintenance could become relevant to establishing liability. The man’s family may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim, which can provide compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, loss of consortium, and other damages related to the fatal accident.
Merced Wrongful Death Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, near G and 21st Streets, contact a California wrongful death lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
