[07-20-2023] Merced County, CA – Fatal Head-On Collision Near Dos Palos Claims Two Lives

Two people were killed in a head-on collision involving two vehicles in Merced County on Thursday evening, July 20, 2023.

The California Highway Patrol stated that the incident occurred near Dos Palos around 9:45 p.m.

The initial investigation indicates a 75-year-old woman was driving a 2015 Nissan southbound on Highway 33 at an undetermined speed. There were also indications that the headlights of the Nissan may not have been turned on at the time of the incident.

Simultaneously, an 18-year-old man was driving a 2020 Honda north on Highway 33, also at an unknown speed, just south of Christian Avenue.

Both drivers suffered fatal injuries. Authorities revealed that the woman driving one of the vehicles was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident.

However, after a thorough investigation, the influence of drugs or alcohol as contributing factors to the collision has been ruled out.

The CHP is still examining the accident to determine its cause.

Our Merced  County Injury Law Firm Specializing in Car Accidents

If a driver’s negligence results in serious injuries or fatalities, the affected individual’s family can take legal action against the responsible driver. If you or someone you know has been involved in a car accident caused by another person’s careless behavior, consulting with a personal injury lawyer may be beneficial.

Our experienced team of car accident attorneys in California, including Merced County, provides a free initial consultation. During this meeting, we will carefully review the specific details of your case, walk you through the legal procedures, and assess important factors that could impact the potential compensation you might be eligible to receive.

You can rely on our most trusted Merced County injury law firm at Arash Law, under the direction of Arash Khorsandi, Esq., to effectively represent you in these court proceedings. Our firm has recovered more than $750 Million for California clients.

If you want to speak with one of our lawyers, please call (888) 488-1391 or fill out the “Do I Have a Case?” form.

What to Do After a Car Accident

Understanding the necessary steps to take after a car accident is crucial. Adopting a systematic approach can safeguard your well-being and legal rights.

Here are the recommended actions to follow following a car accident:

1. Stay calm and prioritize safety above all else.
2. Move to a secure location and wait for the arrival of law enforcement authorities.
3. Dial 911 to report the collision and exchange contact and insurance information with all parties involved.
4. Refrain from admitting fault, even when speaking to the police or other individuals involved.
5. Seek immediate medical attention for injuries sustained and promptly inform your insurance company about the accident.
6. While engaging with insurance adjusters, it is advisable to consult a lawyer before accepting any settlement offers or providing recorded statements.
7. Create a comprehensive file and gather all relevant paperwork related to the incident, such as accident reports, medical records, and insurance documents.
8. Without delay, seek professional legal counsel from reputable car accident lawyers in California who can guide you through the legal process and protect your rights during this challenging time.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Fatal Car Accident Statistics

Throughout the nation, car accidents have significantly impacted intentional injuries and loss of life. As reported by the National Safety Council, there was an alarming 8.3% increase in traffic-related fatalities in 2020, resulting in a devastating toll of 46,980 lives lost.

Among these tragic fatalities, car accidents were responsible for 42,338 deaths, surpassing the previous year’s total of 39,107. Specifically in California, were 3,847 fatalities attributed to traffic incidents in 2020.

When analyzing these incidents, it was found that single-car accidents accounted for 59% of the total occurrences, while multi-vehicle collisions made up 41%. Among the different types of crashes, side collisions emerged as the most fatal, causing numerous injuries. Approximately 8,000 instances of side collisions were reported in 2020.