[03-07-2025] Merced County, CA – 20-Year-Old Man Killed, Another Injured After Head-On Collision on Santa Fe Drive

A 20-year-old man from Planada was killed, and another driver sustained major injuries in a head-on crash in Merced County early Friday morning, March 7, 2025.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the crash occurred at around 2:00 a.m. on Santa Fe Drive, west of Avenue Two.

Authorities stated that the 20-year-old man was driving a 2006 BMW at an unknown speed when he suddenly veered left into the path of a 2012 Chevy sedan traveling at approximately 45 mph. The vehicles collided head-on.

The BMW driver, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was pronounced dead at the scene. The Chevy driver sustained major injuries and was transported to Doctors Medical Center in Modesto for treatment.

CHP officials have not yet released the identity of the deceased.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

Consult Experienced Car Accident Lawyers In Merced County

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a car accident, you may be entitled to seek compensation. Under the leadership of Arash Khorsandi, Esq., our skilled personal injury attorneys are prepared to offer the legal assistance you need. At Arash Law, we are committed to advocating for accident victims, ensuring they receive the justice and compensation they rightfully deserve.

Our Merced County car accident lawyers will thoroughly evaluate your case, guide you through the legal process, and assess all factors that may impact your settlement. If needed, we can also assist in obtaining police reports and other critical information to strengthen your claim.

With a history of success, our legal team has helped clients secure over $500 million in compensation. Let us fight for your rights and financial recovery.

Call (888) 488-1391 today or fill out our “Do I Have a Case?” form to schedule your free consultation and get started.

What To Do After A Car Accident In Merced County

A car accident can be a stressful and unsettling experience. Knowing what to do next is crucial for safeguarding your health, well-being, and legal rights. Taking the right steps can help ensure your safety and strengthen any potential claims.

1. Ensure Safety — Put your safety first. Check for injuries. If you can still drive your car, pull over to the side of the road.
2. Report The Incident To The Authorities — Call 911 if anyone’s injured. Reporting the incident also ensures that an official record is created, which is essential for your claim.
3. Take Photographs — If possible, take photographs of the vehicles involved, the incident location, and any injuries you sustained.
4. Immediately Seek Medical Attention — Even if you feel fine, some injuries may not be immediately apparent. See a doctor as soon as possible.
5. Provide Contact Information — Share your contact and insurance details with the other parties involved in the accident. Be sure to get the same information from them.
6. Talk To Any Witnesses — If possible, talk to any witnesses and obtain their contact information for future reference.
7. Never Discuss Blame — Avoid making statements that could be used against you. Insurance adjusters may try to extract damaging information by asking leading questions.
8. Don’t Post On Social Media — Avoid discussing the accident on social media or posting pictures. What you share online could inadvertently harm your case and affect your ability to receive compensation.
9. Consult With Merced County Car Accident Lawyers — A lawyer can help protect your rights, guide you through the claims process, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Call us today at (888) 488-1391 to get legal advice free of charge.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Car Accident Statistics

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), there were 42,514 deaths from motor vehicle crashes in the United States in 2022. This figure translates to 12.8 deaths per 100,000 people and 1.33 deaths per 100 million miles driven.

Traffic fatality projections for the first half of 2024 estimate 18,720 deaths, reflecting a 3.2% decrease compared to the 19,330 fatalities forecasted for the first half of 2023. Data from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) shows that vehicle miles traveled (VMT) increased by approximately 13.1 billion miles in the first half of 2024, a 0.8% growth. As a result, the fatality rate dropped to 1.17 deaths per 100 million VMT, compared to the predicted rate of 1.21 fatalities per 100 million VMT in the same period of 2023.

If you need assistance navigating your car accident injury claim, get in touch with our experienced car accident lawyers in Merced County today. Call us at (888) 488-1391. We are available 24/7 to answer your questions and concerns.