Fatal Head-On Collision on State Route 165 and Westside Boulevard

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January 13, 2023
Edward Smith

Head-On Crash Fatality in Merced County

In Merced County, officials reported a fatality following a head-on crash on the afternoon of Wednesday, January 11, 2023. The traffic collision occurred at approximately 3:30 p.m. on State Route 165 in the vicinity of Westside Boulevard, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Details on the Head-On Crash Fatality on SR-165 in Merced County

Authorities reported that one motorist allegedly lost control of their vehicle and entered the oncoming traffic lane, where they collided head-on with another car. The driver of the vehicle that reportedly veered into the opposite lane was treated at an area hospital for unspecified injuries.

Sadly, the driver of the second car succumbed to their injuries. CHP traffic officers noted weather conditions that included rain and wet roads at the time of the incident. However, the exact cause of the incident remains under investigation, and no further information has yet been released.

What is a Wrongful Death Claim and How Can it Help Survivors?

When a motor vehicle collision results in a loss of life, the party responsible for the incident may be held liable for damages incurred. In the context of a car accident, damages are generally covered by the insurance company that represents the negligent driver. If the at-fault motorist does not have liability coverage or has minimum auto insurance limits, a family may have recourse if their loved one had uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage at the time of the crash. For a better understanding of the wrongful death claims process and what it entails, it is useful to discuss your situation in detail in a free consultation with an experienced accident attorney near you.

Wrongful death cases generally require a notice of claim with the insurance company that represents the at-fault party or to a public agency if a government entity may be liable for an incident that caused a loss of life. Keep in mind that the general two-year statute of limitations for wrongful death matters is decreased to 180 days for notice of claims against municipalities. This is by the California Government Code Section 911.2. An attorney will work to ensure that all filing criteria and deadlines are met on your family’s behalf.

Not all wrongful death claims result in favorable settlement agreements with insurers. When this occurs, your wrongful death attorney may file a lawsuit to protect the statute of limitations and continue your pursuit of maximum compensation through litigation. The legal process may take months or even years. When you have the right attorney on your side, you and your family can rest assured knowing that your rights will be protected and your best interests will be at heart throughout the process. Learn how our injury attorneys from AutoAccident.com can help you by watching this video or setting up a free consultation today.

Personal Injury Attorney in Merced

I’m Ed Smith, a Merced personal injury attorney. In the aftermath of a close relative’s passing from a car accident, it may be challenging to consider filing a claim. However, it is essential to obtain a sense of closure by holding the at-fault party accountable for their negligence and the harm they have caused your family. An experienced wrongful death lawyer can help you navigate the process and seek maximum financial recovery for your family.

Our legal team from AutoAccident.com is here for you and your family. We would like to help you so that you can all focus on recovering and being together instead of losing valuable time by handling a claim on your own. Our accident attorneys will protect your rights and best interests throughout the process to obtain a favorable case resolution on your behalf. Contact us today to learn more about the services we provide and receive free, friendly advice at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400.

Our law office represents clients in Merced County and throughout California. We are committed to taking care of our clients during the most challenging times of their lives and working toward successful case results on their behalf through verdicts and settlements. Our former clients have left ratings and reviews about working with us at Google, Yelp, and Avvo. We are also proud California members of various legal organizations, like the Top 1 Percent and Million Dollar Advocates Forum.

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