Merced County, CA – In the early hours of Sunday, April 26, 2026, a wrong-way head-on collision in which DUI is suspected left five people hospitalized, according to KSEE/KGPE.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident took place shortly before 1:00 AM on southbound Highway 99 north of Atwater Boulevard.
Authorities said Diane Rivas, 35, was driving a 2019 Honda Civic the wrong way on Highway 99 when she collided head-on with a Chevrolet Equinox driven by Humberto Orozco Cervantes, 33, of Merced, who was traveling in the correct direction in the number one lane. Officers arrived to find two vehicles with major damage and multiple occupants requiring medical attention.
Three juveniles were transported to a local hospital with injuries ranging from moderate to major. Two women were also transported with major injuries. Emergency personnel responded to the scene and coordinated the medical care and transport of all five injured parties.
Both drivers were arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. No additional details regarding the identities of the juvenile passengers or the full circumstances leading to the wrong-way driving had been released at the time of reporting. The investigation remains ongoing.
Ongoing Investigations
Victims of traffic accidents and their families should be aware that authorities may fail to note or even misinterpret critical evidence at a crash site. One of the services that a Personal Injury Attorney can provide is to pursue follow-up investigations, which can reveal additional evidence to correct any errors made by previous investigators.
Passenger Liability
Driver liability insurance covers both those outside the vehicle and passengers inside. While it can be emotionally difficult to file a personal injury claim against someone close to the victim, the financial challenges after an accident can be overwhelming. As a neutral third party, an experienced personal injury attorney can help navigate these emotional complexities.
Personal Injury Claims & Comparative Negligence
Determining fault in a collision can involve multiple factors, and under California’s comparative negligence rule, several parties can share partial responsibility. Should evidence reveal that another party contributed to the injuries, victims may be eligible to file a personal injury claim with the responsible party’s insurance, which can provide compensation for medical bills and lost wages during recovery.
Merced Car Accident Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, contact a Merced car accident lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
