The chaotic nature and violent impacts of a motor vehicle crash can lead to serious injuries in many cases. If you have been injured in a car accident you have the right to hold the responsible party accountable. You are entitled to recover the necessary compensation for all of your damages when someone else’s negligent actions cause you physical and emotional harm.
Text Kevin Accident Attorneys is one of the top-rated law firms representing personal injury victims throughout California. Connect with your dedicated and highly qualified Merced car accident lawyer today. Our law firm is proud to offer 100% no-cost consultations to car accident victims regardless of the injuries they have suffered.
Merced Car Accident Statistics
Located in the heart of California’s Central Valley and known as the “Gateway to Yosemite”, Merced is home to more than 90,000 people according to data from the United States Census Bureau. With so many people traveling through Merced to get to Yosemite National Park, car accidents are a frequent problem for natives and tourists alike. According to California’s Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) and their Crash Ranking Results, 2021 saw 660 car accidents that resulted in injury or death including:
- 78 accidents involving alcohol
- 40 accidents involving pedestrians
- 27 accidents involving motorcycles
- 35 accidents involving bicycles
- 120 accidents involving speeding
- 70 accidents occurred between the hours of 9:00 pm and 2:59 am
- 71 hit-and-run accidents
- 297 DUI arrests
Which Roads and Intersections in Merced Are the Most Dangerous?
As recently as the beginning of 2024, some roads have been known for individuals using public roads for street racing. The Merced Police chief has even gone so far as to add seven new motorcycle officers to combat the growing issue of street racing. The problem has even led residents to nickname Lehigh Drive “Speedway Lehigh Drive”. Other dangerous roads where illegal street racing occurs include:
- El Redondo Drive
- Buena Vista Drive
- McKee Road
- Campus Parkway
- Coffee Avenue
What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Merced?
The disorienting nature of motor vehicle collisions can leave you feeling scared and confused. You may be unsure of what to do in the immediate aftermath of a car accident. Firstly, if you can do so safely, you should pull your vehicle over to the right side or shoulder of the road, then:
- Contact Emergency # services and the Merced police
- Document any injuries or property damage by taking pictures or video
- Secure any dashcam footage you may have
- Record the contact information of any party involved and any potential witnesses
- Be sure to be evaluated by paramedics or EMTs who arrive on scene
- Contact an attorney with Text Kevin Accident Attorneys
We’ll Fight to Recover Compensation for All of Your Car Accident Injuries
After a motor vehicle collision, you may feel extremely disoriented and may even be in shock. When your body experiences the sudden impact of a car accident, it can flood your body with adrenaline, the hormone associated with your fight or flight response. This can lead to you feeling like you are not injured when you may be seriously injured and just are not feeling it yet.
Aside from injuries that do not immediately present symptoms, you can suffer anywhere from minor cuts to catastrophic head or spinal injuries. The importance of an exam by a qualified medical professional should not be dismissed. Our car accident clients have reported injuries such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Broken or fractured bones
- Bruises and contusions
- Cuts and lacerations
- Whiplash and other neck injuries
- Third degree burns
- Second impact syndrome (SIS)
- Partial and complete paralysis
- Mental and emotional distress
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Concussions
- Sepsis and other infections
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
You may already be suffering financially after your car accident due to an inability to work, vehicle repair or rental costs, or increasing medical bills. You may even feel like you cannot afford to hire a lawyer to represent you. There is hope, however, with Text Kevin Accident Attorneys happily offering their services on a contingency basis.
Making a contingency agreement with your car accident attorney means that we will handle all of the necessary expenses to pursue your case. There is no risk to you while we fight for the compensation that you deserve. If we do not win your case, you will not have to pay anything.
With a contingency agreement from our law firm, our attorney’s fees will be paid out of a percentage of the compensation we recover for you. Every car accident has its unique circumstances as well as any legal agreement you make with our law offices. You can expect the percentage for our attorney’s fees to be approximately 33%, but depending on the specific factors of your case our rate can vary anywhere between 20% and 40%.
Can I Recover Compensation if I Share Some of the Blame for a Car Accident in Merced?
Defense attorneys will often point at the victim and suggest that they are partially at fault for their injuries or the collision itself. Even if you are partially responsible, California’s pure comparative negligence statute, under California Civil Code 1714, allows victims to recover compensation proportionate to their portion of blame. This allows victims who may have made a mistake to still be compensated for their injuries.
A good example of this civil code in action is if you were rear-ended because you slammed on your brakes to avoid hitting an animal that ran into the street, the court may find you 5% at fault for stopping suddenly. However, because the driver who hit you was following too closely and did not leave enough room to safely stop, you would still be entitled to 95% of the costs of your damages. Connect with your top-rated car accident lawyer with Text Kevin Accident Attorneys to discuss the specific circumstances of your case.
What Causes Car Accidents in Merced?
The individual circumstances of every car accident are unique and ever-changing. There are certain behaviors that negligent drivers engage in which you should be aware of to avoid collisions. But sometimes, even if you are doing everything right behind the wheel, an irresponsible driver can still ruin your day, and possibly the rest of your life. Some of the most common causes for motor vehicle crashes in Merced include:
Speeding and Street Racing
Nearly every driver is guilty of speeding at some point in their lives. However, Merced California has recently seen a dangerous increase in reckless drivers street racing on public roads. These negligent individuals can cause severe car accidents or even strike pedestrians.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
In 2021 alone, there were nearly 300 arrests for drunk or drugged driving. These careless and irresponsible motorists ruin lives every day throughout the state of California and the United States. If you were hit by a drunk driver, your compassionate and dedicated car accident attorney with Text Kevin Accident Attorneys can help you through the legal battle of seeking compensation.
Driver Distractions
Modern vehicles and their designers may have inadvertently made driving more difficult by removing knobs and buttons in favor of confusing menus on touchscreens to access simple vehicle functions such as adjusting the climate controls. Texting and driving or otherwise using a cell phone while behind the wheel continues to be an issue even though it has been addressed by California Vehicle Code 23123. Using a cell phone while driving remains one of the most common forms of driver distraction today.
Failing to Recognize Right-of-Way
California’s Rules of the Road outlined in California Vehicle Code 21801 describes when drivers have the right-of-way and when they fail to yield. This code defines the ever-changing road environment and when you must yield to oncoming traffic or when it is your turn to proceed. While many situations may seem obvious, familiarizing yourself with the proper procedures of yielding and proceeding can lead to safer driving practices.
While you are not legally obligated to hire a car accident attorney, the benefits are numerous and can only help your case. Negotiating with your insurance company, the at-fault party’s insurance company, and navigating the complicated legal system are all significant benefits that can help maximize your compensation for your losses and injuries.
As with the unique circumstances of every car accident, each personal injury lawsuit will require varying expenses to investigate, file, and litigate. Your car accident lawyer can offer you their services through a contingency agreement with an estimate for their attorney’s fees somewhere between 20% and 40% of the financial compensation they recover for you, but remember, you will only be required to pay if they win.
It is not possible to average the values of car accident settlements due to the extreme variations between cases. The costs of your property damages, the severity of your physical, mental, and emotional injuries, and the future costs of treatment you may need can all have a bearing on the value of your specific case.
The time limit you have to sue for damages from a car accident in California is known as the statute of limitations outlined in California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. This time limit is set at two years from the date of the collision. There are some incredibly specific situations in which this limit may be “tolled”, or paused, such as if you were diagnosed with an injury weeks after the initial accident, at which point the statute of limitations would be two years from the date of your diagnosis.
There is not necessarily a specific value that you can sue the responsible party for but rather will be based on the total value of your economic and non-economic damages. In very particular cases, punitive damages may be awarded to you under California Civil Code Section 3294 but these cases are relatively rare.
While it may not be specifically unlawful to drive your vehicle after a car accident, you should only do so if it is safe and all vehicle functions are working properly. Even in the cases where it is still safe to drive your vehicle, it can be advisable to only drive it to your home or repair shop of choice.
Contact Our Merced Car Accident Attorneys Today for Legal Help
Whether you have sustained minor or catastrophic injuries in a car crash in Merced California, your top-rated car accident attorney with Text Kevin Accident Attorneys is ready to help. Our law firm has proven itself time and again in court and we have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for our clients. Contact our law offices or fill out our quick online contact form now to schedule your no-obligation, free consultation as soon as today.
Merced FAQs
The county seat for Merced County, the city of Merced is located in the San Joaquin Valley, approximately 110 miles southeast of San Francisco.
The whole family can find something of interest in Merced including visiting the Applegate Park and Zoo, the Castle Air Museum, and numerous shopping options at the Merced Mall. Also known as the “Gateway to Yosemite”, Merced is less than two hours from Yosemite National Park.
Centrally located in the state of California, Merced is approximately 297 miles to the northwest of Long Beach which can be reached via CA-99.
Located at 2222 M St, Merced, CA 95340, the Merced County Recorder’s Office can provide certified copies of your birth certificate for a fee of $29. You can also call (209)385-7627 or request a copy online at www.countyofmerced.com.
The city of Merced is located approximately 274 miles northwest of Los Angeles and can be reached in about five hours via CA-99.
With its central location in the state of California, parking for big rig truckers is plentiful including:
- Orbit Truck Yard located at 2155 Cooper Ave, Merced, CA 95348
- Freedom Truck Yard is located at 788 E Childs Ave, Merced, CA 95341
- Truck Storage Yard located at 3310 Beachwood Dr, Merced, CA 95348
- Buhach Truck Parking is located at 4814 Clover Ave, Atwater, CA 95301
Merced Point Of Interest
Offers a sanctuary for migratory birds and other wildlife, providing exceptional opportunities for bird-watching, photography, and nature walks through its diverse habitats.
Location: 7430 W Sandy Mush Rd, Merced, CA 95341, United States
Website: fws.gov
A historic 19th-century building, showcasing artifacts and exhibits that explore the rich history and development of Merced County.
Location: W 21st &, N St, Merced, CA 95340, United States
Website: mercedmuseum.org
A small community zoo focusing on education and conservation, featuring a variety of animals and a charming setting for family outings.
Location: 1045 W 25th St, Merced, CA 95340, United States
Website: cityofmerced.org
A vibrant venue that promotes and supports local artists and cultural activities, offering galleries, studios, and a wide range of artistic programs.
Location: 645 W Main St, Merced, CA 95340, United States
Website: artsmerced.org
One of Merced’s largest parks, featuring expansive green spaces for sports, picnics, and a network of trails ideal for jogging and cycling.
Location: 945 Buena Vista Dr, Merced, CA 95348, United States
Website: cityofmerced.org
A hands-on learning environment where children can explore science, technology, engineering, art, and math through interactive exhibits and activities.
Location: 350 W Yosemite Ave, Merced, CA 95348, United States
Website: kidsdiscoverystation.org
Merced Auto Body Shops
Location: 1405 w main st suite B, 1440 W 18th St, Merced, CA 95340, United States
Website: yelp.com
Location: 932 Martin Luther King Jr Way, Merced, CA 95341, United States
Website: yelp.com
Location: 1254 W 16th St, Merced, CA 95340, United States
Website: yelp.com
Location: 1002 Martin Luther King Jr Way, Merced, CA 95341, United States
Website: autobody-review.com
Location: 100 W Main St, Merced, CA 95340, United States
Website: caliber.com
Location: 1461 W Main St, Merced, CA 95340, United States
Website: gerbercollision.com
Merced Neighborhood We Serve
- North Merced
- South Merced
- Downtown Merced
- Bear Creek
- Fahrens Park
- Merced Heights
- Bellevue Ranch
- El Portal
- McSwain
- Yosemite North
