Update | Three Fatalities Reported in Crash on Highway 152 Near Los Banos

Fatal Traffic Collision on SR-152

On Tuesday, February 14, 2023, the California Highway Patrol reported a fatal traffic collision on SR-152 near Los Banos in Merced County. Officials said the incident occurred at approximately 4:00 p.m. on State Route 152 in the vicinity of Hilldale Road. The crash involved three vehicles described as a Toyota Highlander, a Toyota Tacoma, and a Mercedes-Benz.

Details on the Fatal Traffic Collision on SR-152 Near Los Banos

CHP traffic officers in a preliminary release indicated that a Los Banos resident was behind the wheel of the Mercedes-Benz and was headed eastbound on SR-152. A driver of a Toyota Tacoma was headed westbound on State Route 152. A Toyota Highlander was also traveling westbound on Highway 152 directly behind the Toyota Tacoma.

Investigators indicate that the Mercedes-Benz driver allegedly lost control of their vehicle. This caused the Mercedes-Benz to veer over the dirt median of SR-152 and overturn directly over the Toyota Tacoma. Debris from the Toyota Tacoma and the Mercedes-Benz reportedly struck the Toyota Highlander, according to officials.

The Mercedes-Benz driver was transported via air ambulance to an area hospital for treatment of serious injuries. All occupants in the Toyota Highlander were uninjured in the crash, according to the California Highway Patrol. Sadly, all three parties in the Toyota Tacoma suffered fatal injuries.

The Merced County Coroner’s Office has recently identified the decedents as 31-year-old Dos Palos resident Francisco Javier Sandoval Rodriguez, 38-year-old Chowchilla resident Roberto Romo Islas, and 42-year-old Chowchilla resident Jaime Romo Islas. Officials indicated that Roberto and Jaime are brothers.

A fundraiser at Sierra College of Beauty has been set up for the widow of one of the three men who was killed in this auto accident. On February 27, 2023, the school is offering services for $5 and BBQ lunches for $15 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. These include manicures, facials, and haircuts. All proceeds from this event will benefit Roberto’s wife and his family.

How is a Wrongful Death Claim for a Car Accident Proven?

Liability for a fatal motor vehicle collision will depend on the facts and circumstances of the matter. Negligence on the part of a motorist may be sufficient to hold them liable in fatal car accident cases. Many crashes occur when a driver is speeding, under the influence of alcohol or drugs, distracted by a cell phone, or doing other careless actions while behind the wheel of a motor vehicle.

Bringing a successful wrongful death action forward requires clear and compelling evidence that demonstrates negligence on the part of the at-fault driver and other parties if applicable. This may include eyewitness accounts, photos of the crash site, video surveillance footage, traffic incident reports by the police, testimony from expert witnesses, and other relevant evidence.

About Our Law Firm

The experience, skills, and resources of your California wrongful death lawyer may have an influence on the outcome of a fatal car accident case. Seeking the assistance of an attorney becomes even more crucial in a fatal traffic collision involving multiple parties. An independent investigation by a lawyer and their team of experts is necessary for properly establishing fault and associated damages.

Fatal traffic collisions may be challenging to navigate, but do not let this discourage you from seeking justice on behalf of your loved one and the compensation your family deserves. The legal team from AutoAccident.com has a history of successful verdicts and settlements for past clients, and our attorneys may be able to do the same for your family. Learn more about us by watching this video.

Injury Attorney in Los Banos

I’m Ed Smith, a Los Banos injury attorney. Act quickly to safeguard yourself and your family from common disputes in liability for a fatal car accident, difficult insurance companies, and other roadblocks in financial recovery. The actions you take immediately following the incident may have a significant influence on your path to justice and compensation.

Our legal team from AutoAccident.com encourages you to contact us anytime for a free consultation to learn about your rights and options for financial recovery. Call our injury attorneys to receive free, friendly advice at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400. We have assisted many Merced County families with their cases since 1982, and we can help you with yours too.

Before getting in touch with one of our skilled and compassionate lawyers for a free case evaluation, visit our Yelp, Avvo, and Google pages to review our client ratings and comments. We are honored to be featured in the California divisions of the Top 1 Percent, Million Dollar Forum, and other legal organizations in recognition of our dedication and work for our clients.

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