Pedestrian Fatality on State Route 99 and Sultana Drive in Merced

Home » Pedestrian Fatality on State Route 99 and Sultana Drive in Merced
December 21, 2023
Edward Smith

Fatal Pedestrian Crash at Sultana Drive

The CHP reported a fatal vehicle versus pedestrian crash on State Route 99 at Sultana Drive in Merced. The incident occurred on December 13, 2023, at approximately 9:15 p.m. on the southbound side of SR-99, officials said.

Details on the Fatal Pedestrian Crash at Sultana Drive

A preliminary release indicated that the CHP was notified of a pedestrian accident. Officers responding to the crash site located a male pedestrian who was allegedly struck by multiple cars following the initial collision. Sadly, the pedestrian was declared deceased at the accident scene.

A preliminary investigation indicated that a 2020 Ford van driven by a 33-year-old Kent, Washington resident reportedly struck the individual on foot. The Ford driver veered to the left in an attempt to avoid a collision. The side and right front of the vehicle allegedly struck the pedestrian.

Multiple other unknown cars allegedly collided with the pedestrian after the initial crash. The Ford driver stayed at the crash site and cooperated with officials in the investigation. Any involved parties or witnesses are encouraged to contact the CHP Merced area office and speak with Officer Woodring.

What is Wrongful Death?

The wrongful death claims process involves taking legal action against a person or entity whose negligence or carelessness resulted in a loss of life. The purpose of these cases is to offer compensation to survivors. These cases often arise when the individual’s demise could have been prevented had the opposing party exercised due care. Experiencing the loss of a family member due to an accident caused by another party’s negligence is painful and devastating. In addition to coping with loss and grief, surviving family members must navigate the complexities of financial matters.

Under California law, surviving family members may have grounds to take legal action to seek compensation for the loss of a loved one resulting from the recklessness or negligence of another party. An experienced California wrongful death attorney can assist survivors by handling all aspects of their case to allow them the time to focus on being with loved ones and making preparations for the future. The right attorney will investigate the incident thoroughly, explain a family’s options, guide survivors through the legal process, negotiate with the opposing party, and take the matter to court if necessary.

At AutoAccident.com, our legal team can assist your family if you have lost a loved one in a vehicle versus pedestrian collision or another type of accident in California. Our experienced wrongful death attorneys serving Merced have decades of combined experience representing families in fatal accident cases. Establishing trust and effective communication between an attorney and a client is essential for successful case resolution. Our attorneys take the time to get to know our clients and their goals. We believe this is essential to applying a personalized approach to every wrongful death case we handle.

When Should I Contact an Attorney?

Surviving family members have two years from the date of a fatal incident to bring a case of wrongful death. Unfortunately, if the case is brought after the two-year statute of limitations, it may run the risk of being subject to dismissal by the court. That is why it is essential to speak with a skilled wrongful death attorney immediately following a fatal incident to ensure that you do not lose the right to take legal action. Remember that the deadline may be different if the case involves a government entity. Under these circumstances, the time limit is six months to file a notice of claim against the public agency.

Wrongful Death Lawyer in Merced

At AutoAccident.com, our wrongful death lawyers serving Merced have decades of combined experience protecting the rights and best interests of the survivors we represent. We will work diligently to build the strongest case possible, help your family navigate the legal process, and seek a favorable resolution in your case. To learn more, we encourage you to schedule a free consultation with a member of our team. Dial (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400. There is no risk of receiving free, friendly case advice from our experienced and compassionate attorneys. We are here to help you and your family.

Photograph Source: StockSnap via Pixabay.com

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