Motorcyclist Killed in Head-On Crash on SR-165 in Merced County

Home » Motorcyclist Killed in Head-On Crash on SR-165 in Merced County
August 28, 2023
Edward Smith

Fatal Motorcycle Crash on August Road

Officials in Merced County reported a fatal vehicle versus motorcycle crash on State Route 165 at August Road on August 23, 2023. The crash occurred shortly after 10:20 p.m. and involved a motorcyclist and a 2013 Audi SUV, the California Highway Patrol reported.

Details on the Fatal Motorcycle Crash at August Road in Merced County

A preliminary release revealed that an Audi SUV, driven by a 33-year-old Newman woman, was traveling southbound on SR-165 while a Hilmar man, age 35, was riding a 2005 Harley-Davidson motorcycle northbound on State Route 165. The Audi driver allegedly tried to overtake a pickup truck and a big rig and entered the direct path of the motorcycle rider, CHP traffic officers reported.

The motorcyclist and Audi driver both attempted maneuvers to avoid a crash. Unfortunately, both the vehicle and the motorcycle collided head-on along the east shoulder of SR-165 just south of Olso Road. Sadly, the motorcyclist suffered fatal injuries in the accident. The Audi driver and a juvenile passenger were uninjured, officials said. Additional information has not yet been released.

Types of Losses in a Wrongful Death Case

Compensation from a wrongful death action is intended to compensate survivors for the financial hardship and intangible harm experienced due to the loss of a close relative in an accident caused by negligence. Examples of damages in a wrongful death case include loss of inheritance, mental anguish, funeral bills, medical costs for final injuries (recoverable via survival action), loss of services and support, loss of companionship, and more. These cases are subject to a deadline of two years, making time of the essence to act quickly to ensure that justice and financial compensation are obtained.

The value of a wrongful death case will be dependent upon the facts and circumstances involved. This may include factors such as the amount of liability coverage available to pay for the resulting damages, the age, education, health, occupation of the decedent, and more. While no amount of money can match the value of a family member’s life, survivors may greatly benefit from compensation, providing them financial stability and peace of mind from holding the other side accountable for their negligent or careless conduct.

What Types of Evidence Can Be Used to Prove Wrongful Death?

As the surviving family member of an individual killed in a motorcycle crash or another type of accident caused by someone else, it is up to you or your California wrongful death attorney to prove the other side’s negligence and damages. The evidence that is utilized in support of the case should be clear and compelling for the courts. Our legal team at AutoAccident.com can step in to gather and preserve evidence that may be useful in your fatal motorcycle accident case, including:

  • A coroner’s report
  • A copy of the traffic incident report
  • Photos and video surveillance footage of the crash site
  • Track down eyewitnesses to the incident to obtain their account of the fatal incident
  • Working with an accident reconstruction specialist and other experts to demonstrate negligence and damages

When your family works with our family at AutoAccident.com, our California wrongful death lawyers will work immediately to gather all relevant evidence. We will build the strongest case possible to be your lost loved one’s voice and tell their story. Our legal team will paint a picture of your close relative’s life and the impact that their death has had on your family. We will make it clear to insurers, defense counsel, and a jury that your family deserves full compensation for your unspeakable loss.

Wrongful Death Attorney in Merced

The right Merced wrongful death attorney can increase your chances of a favorable case resolution and obtaining justice for the loss of a loved one. Learn more about these cases, your rights, and potential options moving forward by contacting the experienced and compassionate legal team at AutoAccident.com at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400. We are available to review your case and provide free, friendly advice at any time. Our office works on a contingent fee basis which means that we only get paid if we successfully resolve your case.

Photograph Source: PavelDanilyuk Pexels

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