[10-10-2025] Tulare County, CA – Fatal Crash on Merritt Drive On-ramp to Southbound Highway 99 in Traver

A fatal traffic collision occurred on the southbound Merritt Drive on-ramp to Highway 99 in Traver, Tulare County, on Friday afternoon, October 10, 2025.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the crash was reported just before 2:00 p.m. when a vehicle was struck and forced up an embankment.

The car caught on fire, with black smoke visible in the area. Officers confirmed that one person died at the scene.

The cause of the collision is under investigation.

Contact Our Car Accident Lawyers In Tulare County, CA

Fatal car accidents can be devastating for families and loved ones, leaving them to navigate physical, emotional, and financial hardships. Understanding your legal rights after such an incident is crucial for exploring your options and seeking compensation for damages.

Our car accident lawyers in Tulare County can help you review the circumstances of a fatal collision. Legal support may include reviewing accident reports, assisting with insurance claims, and explaining how compensation may be pursued for funeral costs, medical expenses, and other damages. Early consultation can help clarify your options and ensure your rights are protected.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, call us at (888) 488-1391 or fill out our “Do I Have A Case?” form for a free initial consultation.

What To Do After A Fatal Car Accident In Tulare County, CA

Fatal car accidents can be overwhelming for surviving family members. Taking the right steps afterward may help protect your rights and preserve important evidence for future claims.

1. Call 911 And Seek Medical Attention
   Report the accident to emergency services and ensure anyone injured receives prompt medical care. Even minor injuries should be checked, as some injuries may not be immediately visible.
2. Document The Scene And Damage
   If it is safe, take photographs of the accident scene, vehicle positions, visible damage, and any surrounding property affected. This documentation will be valuable for insurance claims and legal purposes.
3. Gather Information From Witnesses
   Collect names and contact details from any witnesses to the crash. Their statements can provide important insight into the cause of the collision.
4. Consult With Car Accident Lawyers
   A lawyer can explain your legal options, assist with insurance matters, and ensure that time-sensitive evidence is preserved. Early legal involvement may help protect your rights and ensure your case is handled properly.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Car Accident Statistics

Preliminary data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimate that approximately 39,345 people died in traffic crashes across the United States in 2024. This marks a 3.8 percent decrease from the 40,901 fatalities reported in 2023 and the first time annual traffic deaths have fallen below 40,000 since 2020.

This decline has been consistent for 11 consecutive quarters, starting in mid-2022, indicating that recent efforts to enhance road safety may be having a positive impact.