Serious Injuries Reported in Drunk Driving Crash in Merced County

Injuries Reported in DUI Crash on 3rd Avenue

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported major injuries and the arrest of a driver on suspicion of DUI following a crash on Edminister Road and 3rd Avenue on the afternoon of Sunday, October 10, 2021. The incident occurred shortly after 1:40 p.m. in Merced County and involved a 2002 Dodge Caravan and a 2000 GMC Sierra.

Details on the DUI Crash Resulting in Injuries Reported on 3rd Avenue

According to a preliminary report by CHP traffic officers, the motor vehicle crash occurred when the GMC that was headed southbound on Edminister Road allegedly failed to stop at a posted stop sign. The GMC entered the intersection and was struck by the Dodge, causing the GMC to overturn several times.

The GMC driver, a 31-year-old Stevinson man, was uninjured in the traffic collision and was arrested on suspicion of felony driving under the influence (DUI). Prior to his booking into Merced County Jail, he was taken to an area hospital for medical clearance.

The Dodge driver, a 50-year-old Turlock man, suffered serious injuries and was transported via air ambulance to Doctors Medical Center in Modesto for treatment. An update regarding his condition and additional information on the car accident was not immediately available.

How Much Time Does It Take to Settle a Personal Injury Claim?

The time that it will take for a personal injury claim for a car accident to be settled by the insurer will depend on the facts and circumstances of the incident. There is a wide array of factors in which must be considered, including the severity of the injuries suffered in the traffic collision, evidence suggesting negligence on the part of the other party, and the types of recoverable damages. There are also other factors that may come into play regarding the amount of time it will take for a case to be resolved.

In California, there is a two-year statute of limitations that applies to such cases, meaning that a lawsuit must be filed within two years of the auto accident date if a mutual settlement agreement cannot be reached with the insurance company. In a situation where the deadline is not met, the injured party may lose the right to recovery of accident-related damages due to the court dismissing the case. With this information in mind, it is essential to hire an attorney to get the job done right and on time.

Selecting the best personal injury lawyer in Merced to handle your car accident case is crucial. Not only will it have an effect on the outcome of your case, but it may also affect how smoothly the claims process goes for you. When you retain legal counsel, you do not just have an experienced injury lawyer with skills and resources; you will have an advocate who has your best interests at heart every step of the way. An accident attorney will know the ins and outs of California’s personal injury law and how to deal with difficult insurance companies. Conversely, a lawyer will also know the best way to proceed with seeking punitive damages from negligent parties in drunk driving accident cases or other types of crashes caused by egregious conduct. Watch the video below for information on how to find the best attorney to represent you in your motor vehicle accident case.

Working with a Lawyer on a Car Accident Case

Since 1982, our law firm has represented parties injured in all types of motor vehicle accidents in Merced County and across the golden state. We understand how car accidents may wreak havoc on your life, particularly if traumatic injuries are involved. That is why we handle cases under a contingency fee basis meaning there will not be any fees due unless we recover fair compensation on your behalf.

We care about you getting your life back on track and being with your loved ones; that is why we will handle all aspects of your case should you decide to work with us. Our legal team is here to hold the party or entity that caused the car accident and their insurer accountable for the harm they have caused. To learn more about how we can help, contact us today to arrange a free consultation.

Personal Injury Attorney in Merced

I’m Ed Smith, a Merced personal injury attorney. After a car accident, it is understandable that you may feel as though you are under immense pressure when it comes to the bills piling up after the incident, and it may prove particularly challenging when you have sustained traumatic injuries. In such situations, you should not feel concerned as there may be assistance available when you retain legal counsel. At our law firm, we work diligently to ensure that those we represent receive the favorable case outcomes they deserve and will guide them every step of the way. To learn more about how our injury lawyers may help you after a traffic collision, contact us today to speak with a member of our team and receive free, friendly case advice at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400.

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It is essential to choose the right attorney with a proven track record of successful results to handle your car accident case. To see ours, visit our Verdicts and Settlements page.

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