Atwater Man Killed in Merced County Head-On Crash
A 33-year-old man from Atwater was killed after a head-on crash near the Winton area in Merced County on the night of Sunday, November 29, 2020. At approximately 9:00 p.m., officers from the California Highway Patrol (CHP) responded to a Merced County accident report in the area of Central Avenue and Walnut Avenue. A 23-year-old Winton man was driving a 2008 Lexus IS350 eastbound on Walnut Avenue approaching the intersection of Central Avenue. The Lexus driver allegedly lost control of the car and veered into the oncoming traffic lane. The Lexus reportedly collided head-on with a westbound 2001 Honda Civic.
Preliminary Investigation of the Head-On Crash in Merced County
The impact caused the occupants of the Honda to be trapped inside, CHP traffic units reported. The engine compartment of the Honda reportedly caught fire immediately after the head-on collision. A passerby was able to remove the right front passenger from the Honda, identified as a 34-year-old woman from Winton. Both the Lexus driver and Honda passenger were taken by ambulance to Doctors Medical Center in Modesto for treatment of serious injuries. Sadly, the Honda driver, identified as the Atwater man, was declared deceased at the scene of the fatal car accident in Merced County.
A preliminary report by the CHP revealed that the Lexus driver was determined to be under the influence (DUI). CHP officers arrested him on suspicion of felony DUI before he was released to the care of first responders. Further details on the car accident in Winton, CA, were not immediately available.
Can Our Family Bring a Wrongful Death Claim After a Fatal Car Accident?
No family is truly prepared to cope with the sudden loss of a close relative in a fatal car accident in Merced County. Their grief can be compounded with anger and frustration when the loss occurred because of someone else’s recklessness or negligence. Our experienced car accident lawyers understand how challenging coming to terms with such a loss can be and are here to help guide your family through this difficult time.
The last thing that any family wants to deal with when coping with grief and loss is a legal claim. However, an experienced and top-rated car accident attorney in Merced can help a family by handling all aspects of their wrongful death lawsuit to allow them the time they need to grieve and recover from their loss. At our law firm, our injury lawyers can handle all communication and negotiation with the insurance company representing the at-fault party or your own. Our attorneys can also conduct independent investigations of the head-on collision to determine the full and fair amount of monetary damages for your loss. We can advocate on your behalf inside and outside the courtroom and navigate the wrongful death claims process, so you and your family do not have to go about it alone. For more details on these types of cases, watch the video below.
Types of Wrongful Death Compensation an Attorney May Recover for Your Family
Under California law, the family of a decedent may be entitled to compensatory damages for their loss through a wrongful death claim. These may include:
- Medical costs for treatment of the final injury suffered in the fatal head-on collision in Merced County
- Costs of funeral and burial services for a lost loved one
- Lost inheritance, wages, future earnings, support, and services
- Loss of companionship, protection, and guidance for surviving family members
The court may also award punitive damages if it is found that egregious actions led to the loss of a loved one in a wrongful death car accident. You will need a top-rated Merced car accident attorney to prove that the at-fault party’s egregious actions, whether that is excessive speeding or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI), led to the loss of your loved one.
Car Accident Attorney in Merced
I’m Ed Smith, a Merced car accident attorney. Coping with the loss of a close relative is one of the most challenging experiences a family can endure, and you do not need the stress of a wrongful death claim added to your time of grief. If you have lost someone you love in a fatal car accident in Merced County, our attorneys are here to protect your legal rights and best interests. Call us today to schedule a free case evaluation at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400. Our legal team is available anytime to review your wrongful death car accident case and provide compassionate, free, and friendly advice on your options for financial compensation and justice moving forward.
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