Fatal Head-On Crash on SR-59 and Rahilly Road in Merced County

Home » Fatal Head-On Crash on SR-59 and Rahilly Road in Merced County
January 02, 2024
Edward Smith

Fatal Head-On Collision at Rahilly Road

On the morning of December 26, 2023, the CHP reported a fatal head-on collision on Highway 59 at Rahilly Road in Merced County. The incident occurred shortly after 10:45 a.m. and involved a 2020 Freightliner box truck and a 2019 Jeep SUV, officials said.

Details on the Fatal Head-On Collision on Highway 59 at Rahilly Road

A preliminary report by the CHP indicated that the box truck and the Jeep were involved in a head-on collision on SR-59 just south of McNamara Road. Sadly, the Jeep driver, a 20-year-old Atwater resident, sustained fatal injuries in the crash.

The box truck driver was uninjured in the head-on collision, CHP officers said. An investigation into the fatal car accident is ongoing, and further details were unavailable.

What Must Be Proven in a Wrongful Death Case?

Under California law, a wrongful death action may be brought when a person sustains fatal injuries in an incident caused by another party. Such a case may be considered valid when there is evidence demonstrating the other side’s recklessness or negligence and proving that it was the direct cause of fatality. There is a statute of limitations applicable to these cases. According to California state law, the family of the deceased has a maximum of two years for filing. If survivors fail to protect the statute, they risk losing their opportunity to hold the at-fault party financially accountable for their loss.

Wrongful death cases require clear and compelling evidence demonstrating liability. Without evidence, it may be challenging to prove that the opposing party caused the fatal incident. Evidence supporting these cases can include expert witness testimony, medical records, traffic incident report, video surveillance footage, pictures of the crash site, statements from eyewitnesses, and more. An experienced attorney from our wrongful death law firm can help your family collect and preserve evidence for your case, protect your rights, and seek a favorable resolution on your behalf.

Our legal team can assist your family by handling your case from start to finish. We will review the evidence and investigate the facts in the case to determine who is liable for your loss. Our attorneys will work diligently to meet all time limits, including California’s statute of limitations, handle communication with the opposing parties, negotiate with insurers, and seek a favorable insurance settlement agreement or verdict award in court. Your family can depend on our California wrongful death lawyers to explain your rights and provide you regular updates regarding developments in your case.

What Factors Influence the Outcome of a Wrongful Death Accident Case?

The value of a wrongful death case for a fatal accident varies as no two claims are the same. As such, there is no exact way of comparing one case to another. There are various factors that may influence how much a case is worth, including:

  • The extent of economic and non-economic damages
  • The number of dependents the deceased individual had
  • The facts and circumstances surrounding the fatal auto crash
  • If the claim is settled with the insurer or the case is taken to trial
  • The deceased person’s age, education, health, employment, and expected earning potential
  • The percentage of financial support the surviving family members depended on the decedent for

Our legal team can conduct an in-depth investigation into the facts and circumstances of the collision that led to your close relative’s demise. We will work diligently to identify all at-fault parties, ensure they are held accountable, and seek the maximum monetary relief your family deserves.

Wrongful Death Attorney in Merced

Fatal accidents are sensitive matters for surviving family members and are often challenging due to legal procedures and the difficult insurers involved. Our legal team at AutoAccident.com has decades of experience representing families who have lost loved ones in accidents caused by the negligence or recklessness of others. Contact our law firm today to schedule a free case review with one of our wrongful death attorneys serving Merced at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400. Our lawyers work closely with families coping with loss and grief to ensure that they receive justice and maximum monetary relief.

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