[03-16-2025] Merced County, CA – Good Samaritan Killed While Assisting DUI Crash Victims on Highway 99 in Atwater

A man was fatally struck while helping crash victims on Highway 99 in Atwater early Sunday morning, March 16, 2025.

According to the California Highway Patrol, officers received a call at 4:10 a.m. regarding a crash on southbound Highway 99, north of Westside Boulevard.

Investigators reported that 22-year-old Sincere C. of Atwater was driving a GMC Acadia southbound at an unknown speed when he veered left, crashing into the guardrail and coming to rest in the No. 1 lane.

An unidentified man stopped in the center median and attempted to assist the GMC driver and his passengers.

Approximately eight minutes later, CHP said 23-year-old Yessica P. of Merced was driving a Honda Civic in the No. 1 lane at an unknown speed and failed to see the disabled GMC.

The front of the Honda collided with the left rear of the GMC before striking the good Samaritan, who was standing near the right side of the vehicle while assisting a passenger. Both vehicles became disabled, blocking the highway’s southbound lanes.

The man sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Following an evaluation, officers determined that both drivers were under the influence. The GMC driver was arrested on suspicion of DUI and transported to a local hospital with moderate injuries. His two passengers were also hospitalized with moderate to major injuries.

The Honda driver was arrested on suspicion of felony DUI and transported to a hospital with moderate injuries.

Both crashes remain under investigation.

Consult With Trusted DUI Accident Lawyers in Atwater

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a reckless and illegal act that continues to endanger lives across California. DUI accidents often result in severe injuries or fatalities, leaving victims and their families facing physical, emotional, and financial hardships. If you or a loved one has been harmed in a crash caused by an impaired driver, our Atwater injury law firm is here to guide you through the legal process and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

Led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., our experienced DUI accident attorneys will thoroughly evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and assist in gathering crucial evidence, including police reports and medical records, to build a strong claim on your behalf.

Our Atwater DUI accident victim lawyers are committed to protecting your rights and securing the maximum compensation possible. With over $750 million recovered in verdicts and settlements, Arash Law has built a strong reputation for successfully handling even the most challenging cases.

Get the legal support you deserve. Call (888) 488-1391 or fill out our “Do I Have a Case?” form to schedule your free consultation today.

Ways To Protect Yourself After Being A Victim of A DUI Accident In Atwater

Accidents leave victims shocked and confused about what to do. However, taking specific steps immediately following a DUI accident is crucial to protect your rights and maximize your chances of recovering damages.

Our DUI accident victim attorneys in Atwater highly recommend that you follow these steps:

1. Remain At The Accident Scene. You may move your car to the side of the road to avoid further incidents, but you should not think about leaving. California law requires all individuals involved in a traffic collision to stay, regardless of who’s at fault. Otherwise, you may face hit-and-run charges.
2. Obtain Prompt Medical Care. Call 911 if you or someone else sustains an injury. Receiving immediate medical attention on-site will help prevent complications. Moreover, this will allow you to document the physical damage you incurred, giving insurance companies no chance to downplay your claim.
3. Contact The Nearest Local Police Department. Responding officers will investigate the scene and conduct field sobriety tests. They will also draft an accident report, which can support your case later.
4. Collect Evidence. Take photos and videos of the accident scene, the sustained injuries, and the wrecked vehicles. Furthermore, write down essential information, such as the other parties’ names, addresses, contact numbers, and insurance details. You may also request witnesses to provide testimonies.
5. Inform The Insurance Company. Provide them with the basic details about the incident. However, be cautious of what you share, as they may use your words to their advantage.
6. Consult Arash Law. Our Atwater lawyers for DUI accident victims will explain your rights and guide you through the process of holding the intoxicated driver accountable. We will also negotiate with insurers, ensuring you get maximum compensation.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

DUI Accident Statistics

According to the NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis, in 2020, 11,654 fatalities resulted from crashes involving an alcohol-impaired driver, accounting for 30% of all traffic deaths in the U.S. This marked a 14.3% increase from 2019 when 10,196 deaths were recorded.

On average, a drunk driving fatality occurred every 45 minutes. The 21 to 24 and 25 to 34 age groups had the highest percentage of impaired drivers in fatal crashes, each making up 26% of such incidents.

Among vehicle types, motorcycle riders had the highest rate of alcohol impairment in fatal crashes at 27%, followed by passenger car drivers (23%), light truck drivers (19%), and large truck drivers (3%).

Of the 1,093 traffic fatalities in 2020 involving children aged 14 and younger, 21% (229 deaths) were linked to alcohol-impaired crashes. Additionally, 67% (7,831 deaths) of all DUI-related fatalities involved a driver with a BAC of 0.15 g/dL or higher.

Drunk driving was 3.1 times more common at night in fatal crashes than during the day.