[02-27-2025] Merced County, CA – One Killed, Two Hospitalized After Head-On Collision on Santa Fe Drive Near Atwater

One person was killed, and two others were hospitalized after a head-on collision on Santa Fe Drive and Avenue 2, just east of Atwater, on Thursday morning, February 27, 2025.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the crash occurred when a white hatchback with a man and a woman inside was traveling southbound on Santa Fe Drive, while a pickup truck was traveling northbound on the same road.

For reasons yet to be determined, the pickup truck crossed over into the southbound lanes and collided head-on with the hatchback.

At least one person was pronounced dead at the scene. Two others were transported to a nearby hospital, but their conditions have not been released.

It is unclear whether drugs or alcohol were factors in the crash.

The cause of the collision is under investigation.

Contact Our Trusted Car Accident Lawyers in Atwater, CA

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Our experienced personal injury attorneys, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., are here to guide you through your case. At Arash Law, we are committed to helping you!

Schedule a free consultation with our skilled car accident lawyers in Atwater. They will assess your case, outline the next steps, and consider all factors that may influence your settlement. Additionally, they can assist in obtaining a police report or any other necessary information.

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To consult with an attorney, call (888) 488-1391 or fill out the “Do I Have a Case?” form.

What To Do After A Car Accident In Atwater, CA

Being involved in a car accident can be overwhelming, leaving victims uncertain about what to do next. Our car accident attorneys advise staying calm to prioritize your safety. If you are able, follow these steps to protect your rights:

1. Prioritize Your Health — One of the most important steps after a collision is to check yourself and others for injuries. If anyone has injuries, call 911 to seek medical attention. Even if you feel fine, consult a medical professional, as some injuries may not be apparent right away.
2. Move To A Safe Location — If you can, park your vehicle on the side of the road to avoid further accidents or traffic disruptions. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers to the situation. Do not leave the scene, or you might be held liable for hit-and-run.
3. Collect Strong Evidence — Take photos and videos of the accident scene, including the vehicles involved, injuries sustained, and relevant road conditions. You may also request witnesses to provide testimony to the police at the scene.
4. Report The Accident To Your Insurance Company — Provide the facts, like the time, date, and location. However, avoid admitting fault or providing more information than necessary. Details you disclose could be used against you later.
5. Reach Out To Arash Law — Our car accident lawyers in Atwater can guide you through the next steps of filing a personal injury claim. Let’s discuss your case in a free initial consultation by calling us at (888) 488-1391 today.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Car Accident Statistics

Each year, thousands of lives are lost in car accidents across California. According to the Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), the state recorded 3,847 traffic fatalities in 2020, marking a 3.4% increase from 3,719 deaths in 2019.

Of these fatalities, 1,159 were linked to drunk driving, reflecting a 20% rise from 966 cases in 2019. Additionally, alcohol-related deaths accounted for 30% of all traffic fatalities, with the fatality rate increasing by 4%.

Furthermore, the percentage of fatal accident victims who tested positive for legal or illegal substances grew from 51% in 2019 to 55% in 2020, representing a 7.8% increase.