Fatal Crash on Northbound I-5 in Merced County
Officials in Merced County reported a fatal crash on northbound I-5 on the night of Thursday, November 25, 2021. Officers with the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Los Banos area office responded to a call of a motor vehicle accident around 7:00 p.m. on northbound Interstate 5 just south of Allen Road.
Details on Fatal Crash on Northbound I-5 and Allen Road in Merced County
According to a preliminary report by officials, a 1996 Toyota Camry was involved in a traffic collision with a 2013 Chevrolet Traverse in the No. 1 lane of northbound I-5. The impact of the collision allegedly propelled the Toyota across both lanes of traffic, where it later came to a rest after it collided with a barbed wire fence and overturned.
The Chevrolet driver, juvenile passenger, and an adult female passenger were uninjured in the incident, according to authorities. The Toyota driver was allegedly pinned inside the car and declared deceased at the scene, CHP traffic officers reported. The Merced County Coroner’s Office has recently identified the decedent as Oscar Medina, 55, of North Hollywood. Additional information on the fatal car accident was not immediately released as the investigation is ongoing by officials.
What Families Should Know About Wrongful Death Claims
In California, wrongful death is the loss of life that is caused by the negligence of another party or entity. Under these circumstances, the decedent’s family may be able to take legal action through a wrongful death claim against the at-fault party. These types of cases are intended to compensate surviving family members for the intangible harms and financial hardship they have endured because of the fatal car accident and loss of a loved one. While most people may grieve the loss of a person they had a close relationship with, California law is specific on which relatives are allowed to bring cases against negligent parties. Under the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 377.60, the surviving spouse, domestic partner, and children of the deceased have priority to bringing claims forward.
It is essential to note that a wrongful death lawsuit must be filed within two years of the fatal incident date, as outlined in CCP 335.1. This may seem like ample time, but the truth is that time may pass by quickly when you are coping with grief. Such cases also require substantial time, effort, and commitment to prepare and present to insurance companies and in court. That is why it is crucial to reach out to an experienced Merced wrongful death lawyer to start the process immediately and ensure that all filing criteria and deadlines are met in your claim. For information on how to find the best local attorney to represent you and your family in a wrongful death matter, watch the following video.
About Our Law Firm
No amount of money may ever undo the pain and devastation that may accompany the loss of a loved one or bring that individual back. However, financial compensation from a wrongful death claim may be invaluable for surviving family members as it may help cover unexpected expenses, seek counseling for grief, and provide for a more secure future. When considering taking legal action against the party responsible for the loss of a close relative, the guidance of a skilled wrongful death lawyer in Merced may make all the difference when it comes to an insurance settlement or jury award.
At AutoAccident.com, our legal team understands the pain that may come with losing someone you love. We also understand the challenges that may present in the legal process. We believe that no family should have to go through the claims process alone. That is why we offer the compassionate and experienced guidance surviving family members need to seek justice and fair compensation for their loss. To learn how we can help your family and put our three decades of experience to work for you and your case, give us a call today to arrange a free consultation.
Personal Injury Attorney in Merced
I’m Ed Smith, a Merced personal injury attorney. The loss of a loved one in a motor vehicle accident caused by someone else’s negligence is devastating and painful for any family to endure. Families faced by such situations need someone to be there for them, look out for their interests, and protect their right to fair compensation. At our law firm, we have handled wrongful death matters since 1982, and we can help with yours too. Give us a call at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400 to receive free, friendly case advice to understand your options for recovery moving forward as a surviving family member. When you contact us, our accident lawyers will take the time to get to know you and your family, your concerns and needs, and take a compassionate approach to your case. We also handle cases under a contingency fee agreement. This means that you are not responsible for any attorney’s fees unless we obtain a favorable outcome in your case.
Head over to these links to read some of the comments and reviews our past clients have left about working with our injury attorneys:
We are proud to be included in the following groups as California members:
Our legal team is driven by the results that we achieve through providing compassionate and experienced representation to our clients. See some of the outcomes we have obtained on behalf of past clients by visiting our Verdicts and Settlements page.
Photo Credit: Pixabay User “StockSnap”
:ds llo [cs 946]