Fatal Accident Outside Merced County
I’m Ed Smith, a car accident lawyer in Merced. Two Bay Area residents were traveling together by car in Dos Palos on the evening of Tuesday, December 26, 2017. This would, unfortunately, be the last trip the two would take together due to an unforeseen auto accident.
My deepest sympathies and condolences go out to the family and friends mourning the loss of their loved one after this tragic accident.
Accident Details
A 34-year-old San Jose resident was driving their 2013 Nissan sedan eastbound along Highway 152 in the vicinity of Flanagan Road at approximately 6:00 pm. The driver was allegedly traveling along the highway at a high rate of speed while attempting to overtake another vehicle on the road. The Nissan veered to the left and onto the median of the roadway. When the Nissan driver tried to enter the right lane of the highway again, the driver lost control of their vehicle. The Nissan drifted off the roadway and overturned several times before coming to a rest on its roof. The impact of the collision caused the Nissan to sustain significant body damage.
Nature of Injuries
Emergency crews were called to the scene of the single vehicle accident. Upon arrival, they were able to locate the driver and passenger of the Nissan sedan. Medical personnel conducted medical evaluations on the two injured parties. The driver suffered major injuries and was transported to the Memorial Medical Center in Modesto for treatment. The passenger was, sadly, pronounced deceased at the scene.
Identity of Victim
The Merced County Coroner’s Office has identified the victim of the auto accident as Maya Isabelle Thone, a 20-year-old of Pacifica.
Accident Investigation
Officials from the California Highway Patrol (CHP) have not yet issued the exact cause of the accident due to pending investigation. It usually takes investigators one to two weeks from the date of the accident to process a Traffic Collision Report. Upon preliminary investigation, authorities believe that drugs may have contributed as a factor in the collision. The driver of the Nissan was reportedly arrested on suspicion of felony driving under the influence.
Auto Accidents and Wrongful Death
When a driver and/or entity has been found at-fault of a fatal auto accident, a wrongful death claim may be filed by the surviving family members of the deceased party. This claim is a type of personal injury lawsuit that may be filed when someone has lost their life due to the fault of a negligent party or entity. Only certain individuals may file a wrongful death legal action in accordance to California Code of Civil Procedure. Such claims may be stressful and time-consuming for those who have suffered the loss of their loved one. It is important to seek legal guidance from an experienced Merced personal injury lawyer to protect your rights and secure fair compensation for your loved one’s untimely passing.
Coping with the Loss of a Loved One
One of the most difficult challenges a person may undergo is coping with the loss of a loved one. Losing someone you love may be particularly intense and stressful, especially for those who have never before experienced grief in their lifetime. The grieving process following such tragedies varies in nature from person-to-person. It is important to take your time while passing through the phases of grief and find outlets to express your emotions, like artistic or recreational activity. Keeping your feelings bundled up inside you may create more harm than good. Be sure to keep in mind how much your loved one cared about you and how they would not want to see you suffering.
Additional Content from Merced Car Accident Lawyer, Ed Smith:
- Damages in Personal Injury Cases
- California Auto Insurance Requirements
- Pot And Pills Can Get You a DUI
Merced Car Accident Lawyers
I’m Ed Smith, a Merced car accident lawyer. Accidents involving impaired motorists oftentimes lead to life-altering consequences. If an accident has caused you or someone you love to suffer traumatic injuries, please call me for compassionate, free and friendly advice. You can reach me by phone at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400, and also via my website AutoAccident.com.
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I am a California member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. This forum is composed of trial lawyers who have previously secured verdicts and/or settlements of at least one million dollars in value.
Please browse through my Past Verdicts and Settlements page to learn more about my law practice and prior case results.