Motorcyclist Killed on Merced Falls Road
The California Highway Patrol reported the recent arrest of a driver on suspicion of DUI and other charges after a crash on Merced Falls Road that killed a motorcyclist. The incident took place on May 31, 2022, at approximately 8:25 p.m. and involved a motorcycle and a 2015 Jeep Cherokee.
Details on the Crash on Merced Falls Road That Killed a Motorcyclist
A preliminary report by officials revealed that the Jeep driver, a 59-year-old Snelling resident, was headed eastbound on Merced Falls Road while the motorcycle rider was traveling westbound. The Jeep driver allegedly made a left-hand turn into a private driveway in the direct path of the motorcyclist. This resulted in a head-on collision causing the motorcycle rider to become trapped beneath the other vehicle.
The motorcyclist, 57-year-old Melvin Pryor, sustained serious injuries in the crash and was transported via air ambulance to Memorial Medical Center in Modesto for treatment. Sadly, he succumbed to his injuries the following day, according to CHP traffic officers. The Jeep driver was later arrested on suspicion of felony DUI causing bodily injury. The incident remains under investigation by officials, and no other details about the fatal motorcycle collision have been released.
What Surviving Family Members Should Know About Wrongful Death Cases
The loss of a family member is challenging regardless of the circumstances involved. When the loss was the result of someone else’s negligent actions, the emotional and financial consequences may be especially devastating. In California, surviving family members may have grounds to seek financial recovery in the form of a wrongful death claim. This type of case may seek reimbursement for intangible and financial losses like funeral expenses, loss of future support for the family, costs of end-of-life medical care, loss of companionship, mental anguish, and more.
Aside from recovery of non-economic and economic damages, survivors may seek punitive damages from the other side. This is intended to punish the at-fault party for their egregious conduct, like excessive speeding or DUI, and deter them and others from engaging in similar behavior in the future. The purpose of punitive damages is solely to make an example out of the defendant that their actions will not be tolerated.
No matter what type of incident claimed the life of a close relative, it is the goal of an experienced Merced wrongful death lawyer to secure the fair financial compensation your family is entitled to under California law. Remember that most cases must be filed in civil court within two years of the accident date. Therefore, you have a limited amount of time to take legal action against the other side responsible for your loss. For additional information on the claims process, watch this video.
Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Merced
I’m Ed Smith, a Merced motorcycle accident attorney. One of the most tragic experiences of a lifetime is the unexpected loss of a family member. When the loss occurred because of the negligence of another party, you may hold the other side liable for your losses through a wrongful death claim. Learn more by calling our legal team to receive free, friendly case advice at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400.
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