Three Injured After DUI Crash in Merced County
Three parties were injured after a DUI crash in Merced County on Sunday, June 21, 2020. The two-vehicle collision occurred in the area of Eucalyptus Avenue and Shaffer Road, just northeast of Winton, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported. Authorities responded to the scene at approximately 2:30 a.m. They found a driver partially ejected through a front windshield of a Honda Accord, as well as their passenger partially ejected through the front passenger side door. Both parties were trapped inside the Honda. A Dodge Durango, the other vehicle involved in the car accident, was discovered along the northeast side of the intersection on its passenger side. The driver and passenger of the Dodge exited the vehicle on their own and were sitting on the driver’s side of the SUV.
Investigation of the Motor Vehicle Accident
A preliminary investigation by the CHP revealed that the Honda was headed eastbound on Eucalyptus, approaching the intersection. At the same time, the Dodge was going northbound on Shaffer approaching the intersection. Officials reported that it was unclear whether the Honda driver entered the intersection in the path of the Dodge or failed to stop at the stop sign, resulting in the passenger side of the Honda being struck by the front-end of the Dodge.
Emergency personnel extricated both occupants of the Honda. The driver of the Honda and their passenger were both taken by air ambulance to separate hospitals in Modesto for treatment of serious injuries, the CHP said. The Dodge driver was transported by ground ambulance to a hospital in Merced for treatment of minor injuries. Officials said the driver of the Honda was placed under arrest on suspicion of DUI and will be booked into Merced County Jail after being discharged from hospitalization. According to the CHP, the accident remains under investigation.
Damages in a Personal Injury Case for a DUI Accident
People injured in drunk driving accidents may be able to recover economic and non-economic damages from the driver responsible for the incident. Some examples of economic damages include past and future medical care and expenses, lost wages, and property damage. Conversely, non-economic damages include pain and suffering, scarring, disfigurement, lost enjoyment of life, and permanent injury or disability. Punitive damages may also be recovered from the at-fault party in the case of a DUI crash. An exact calculation of personal injury damages will vary depending upon the nature of the injuries suffered in the collision. To learn about the factors that may affect a personal injury claim and its value, watch the video below.
Proving Negligence in a Merced County DUI Crash
To recover compensatory damages in a personal injury claim filed against the other driver’s insurance company, the injured person must prove that the driver failed to exercise due care. In the context of a motor vehicle collision, this breach of care may be demonstrated in a wide array of ways. For example, an individual that operates a motor vehicle while under the influence has failed to act reasonably. Once this can be shown through evidence, like a traffic accident report or driving conviction, the injured party must show that the breach was the direct cause of their harm to recover damages incurred.
Should You Hire a Lawyer for a Drunk Driving Accident?
Drivers who operate their vehicles while under the influence should be held financially accountable for their poor actions. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries after a crash caused by a drunk driver, the Merced personal injury lawyers of AutoAccident.com can review your case and discuss your legal options for recovery. Our attorneys are prepared to help you seek the compensation you need and deserve for your medical bills, time lost at work, and pain and suffering. Call us today to schedule a free case evaluation to get your life back on track after your accident.
Personal Injury Lawyer in Merced
I’m Ed Smith, a Merced personal injury lawyer. Car accidents caused by an intoxicated motorist often result in severe property damage and debilitating injuries. If you have been injured after a drunk driving accident in Merced, call me at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400 to discuss your legal options and receive my free, friendly advice on how to move forward with a personal injury claim after your crash.
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At AutoAccident.com, our injury lawyers have advocated for people injured in motor vehicle accidents in Merced County and throughout California. We strive to obtain full and fair compensation for our clients. To see our past personal injury case results, go to our Verdicts and Settlements page.
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