Fatal Merced County Crash Raises Serious Questions About DUI and Hit-and-Run

Fatal Merced County Crash Raises Serious Questions About DUI and Hit-and-Run

A woman is dead following a fatal Merced County crash involving a head-on collision on Thursday morning, August 13. Authorities say a Turlock man is suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and then fleeing the scene.

The crash occurred shortly after 9:45 a.m. not far from Sycamore Street and Bloss Avenue, just south of Delhi.

According to the California Highway Patrol, Jose Perez Hernandez, age 33, of Turlock was speeding south on Sycamore Street in an Audi SUV.

Concurrently, an 84-year-old Delhi man was traveling northbound on Sycamore Street in a Chevrolet Equinox at approximately 40 mph. An 83-year-old woman was riding in the passenger seat.

For reasons that investigators have not yet determined, the Audi crossed into the northbound lanes and collided head-on with the Equinox.

A head-on collision is one of the most dangerous types of crashes. Two vehicles traveling in opposite directions don’t leave much room for error—and when one crosses into the path of another, the consequences can be devastating.

In this case, they were.

The Driver Allegedly Fled the Scene

According to the CHP, Hernandez got out of the Audi after the collision and ran from the scene.

Officers later located him in a nearby orchard.

The occupants of the Equinox were transported to hospitals for treatment. The 84-year-old driver suffered moderate injuries. His 83-year-old passenger later died from her injuries.

In an instant, the couple’s lives were changed forever.

And one of them didn’t make it home.

DUI and Hit-and-Run Make a Tragic Situation Even More Serious

The CHP said Hernandez was determined to be under the influence of alcohol. He was arrested on suspicion of DUI, transported to a hospital, and later booked into jail on charges related to DUI and hit-and-run.

Those are criminal allegations, and the criminal case will ultimately be handled by the appropriate authorities and courts.

But there is another side to a crash like this that deserves attention: the civil consequences for the victims and their families.

When someone is seriously injured or killed in a collision allegedly caused by an impaired driver, the consequences extend far beyond the criminal justice system.

The surviving family members may face medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, lost financial support, and the devastating emotional consequences of losing someone they love.

No amount of money can undo a death.

But a civil claim can, in appropriate circumstances, provide financial support and hold responsible parties accountable for the losses their conduct caused.

Hit-and-Run Crashes Can Complicate the Investigation

A driver leaving the scene of a serious collision can make an already difficult situation even more complicated.

Investigators may need to determine exactly what happened before the crash, identify witnesses, locate surveillance or other evidence, and establish what the driver did after the collision.

In this case, authorities were able to locate Hernandez in a nearby orchard. That may prove important as investigators reconstruct the events surrounding the crash.

The investigation will also need to establish the circumstances that caused the Audi to cross into the northbound lanes in the first place. Was excessive speed involved? Was impairment a factor? Was there another contributing circumstance?

Those questions matter. And they deserve answers.

A Reminder About the Human Cost of Distracted or Impaired Driving

We talk about DUI crashes frequently because they happen frequently.

But it’s easy to become numb to the headlines. But behind every one of those headlines, however, is a person: a spouse, parent, grandparent, child, friend, or colleague. That’s the part that shouldn’t get lost.

When someone gets behind the wheel impaired, the potential consequences aren’t theoretical. They can be permanent.

The investigation into this fatal Merced County crash will determine exactly what happened and who may ultimately be responsible.

For the family of the woman who lost her life, however, the most important fact is already known: Someone they loved isn’t coming home.

Our thoughts are with her family and with the injured driver as they deal with the aftermath of this tragic collision.

Check out this video with accident attorney Ed Smith to discover how to select the best injury lawyer for your claim:

When You Need a Northern California Accident Injury Lawyer

If you’ve been in an accident that left you injured, please know you’re not alone. The experienced, caring and personal car accident lawyers of AutoAccident.com serve Merced County, and we get results for our clients.

At AutoAccident.com, we understand how devastating an auto accident can be. If you or a loved one were seriously hurt in a crash caused by a negligent or reckless driver, you don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone. Our dynamic legal team is here to provide compassionate support and help you understand your rights and options. Call our accident attorneys at (916) 921-6400 for free, friendly legal advice. You can also reach out through our online contact form or toll-free number at (800) 404-5400.