[12-20-2024] Merced County, CA – Woman and Baby Killed in Suspected DUI Head-On Crash on I-5 South of Los Banos

A woman and a baby were killed, and several others sustained major injuries in a head-on collision on Interstate 5 south of Los Banos on Friday evening, December 20, 2024.

The California Highway Patrol reported that the crash occurred just before 6:30 p.m. when a man driving a Jeep southbound on I-5 crossed the center median into the northbound lane for unknown reasons, colliding head-on with a Dodge.

The impact ejected a woman and a baby from the Jeep. Both later succumbed to their injuries. The driver of the Jeep sustained major injuries.

The Dodge’s male driver and a woman also suffered major injuries, while a girl in the Dodge was unharmed. All injured victims were transported to the hospital for treatment.

Authorities indicated that drugs or alcohol are suspected to have played a role in the crash. The investigation is ongoing.

Call Our Respected DUI Accident Victim Lawyers In Los Banos, CA

Driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs is a serious offense that remains prevalent throughout California. This reckless driving behavior often causes traffic accidents, endangering the lives of many. If you get injured in a crash involving an impaired driver, reach out to our Los Banos injury law firm immediately. We will guide you through the legal process of seeking compensation for your damages and losses.

Get legal advice from our experts in DUI accidents, under the direction of Arash Khorsandi, Esq., who can help you assess your case. Additionally, they can assist you if obtaining further information or a police report proves challenging.

Our respected Los Banos DUI accident victim lawyers will do everything possible to advocate for your claim and safeguard your rights. With over $750 Million recovered in settlements and verdicts, our legal team has proven themselves capable of handling even the most complicated cases.

To arrange a free initial consultation with one of our attorneys, please call (888) 488-1391 or fill out our “Do I Have a Case?” form.

Ways To Protect Yourself After Being A Victim of A DUI Accident In Los Banos, CA

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 Los Banos 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 Los Banos 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, there were 11,654 fatalities resulting from motor vehicle traffic crashes involving at least one alcohol-impaired driver, accounting for 30% of all traffic fatalities in the United States that year. This marked a 14.3 percent increase in fatalities due to alcohol-impaired driving, rising from 10,196 in 2019 to 11,654 in 2020.

On average, one fatality related to alcohol-impaired driving occurred every 45 minutes. The age groups of 21 to 24 years and 25 to 34 years had the highest percentages of alcohol-impaired drivers involved in fatal crashes, with each group representing 26 percent of such incidents in 2020.

The highest percentage of alcohol-impaired drivers in fatal crashes was among motorcycle riders at 27%, followed by drivers of passenger cars at 23%, light trucks at 19%, and large trucks at 3%. Among the 1,093 traffic fatalities in 2020 involving children aged 14 and younger, 21 percent (229 fatalities) occurred in crashes involving alcohol-impaired driving.