Merced County, CA (August 30, 2023) 1 person is dead after a 2-vehicle crash in Merced County on Tuesday morning, according to the California Highway Patrol. At approximately 5:40 a.m., officers responded to a report of a crash in the area of Highway 152 and Turner Island Road.
A 2003 Honda Accord, driven by a 26-year-old man, was traveling south on Turner Island Road. At the same time, Lisa Rueckheim, 38, was driving a 2020 Buick Encore west on Highway 152. The California Highway Patrol said that the two vehicles reached the intersection at the same time and, for reasons unknown, the driver of the Honda failed to stop at a stop sign.
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Rueckheim wasn’t able to avoid the Honda as she entered the intersection. Her Buick collided with the driver’s side of the Honda in the intersection. The force from the impact caused both vehicles to move westward until they finally stopped, blocking both lanes of Highway 152.
California Highway Patrol said the driver of the Honda suffered fatal injuries during the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Rueckheim, as well as a 12-year-old girl in the vehicle, suffered minor injuries. They were both taken to a hospital in Modesto.
Authorities at the scene said that neither drugs nor alcohol appear to be a factor in this collision.
Liability In Merced County Car Accidents
Despite improved safety measures for cars, motor vehicle accidents remain one of the leading causes of serious injury and death in the United States. According to the CDC, “more than 32,000 people are killed and 2 million are injured each year from motor vehicle crashes.” There are a number of factors that could potentially contribute to a car accident including:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Inclement weather
- Dangerous turns
- Poorly designed roadways
All drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care in order to avoid causing accidents. This is especially true for commercial drivers that work for a city. A number of collisions are due to drivers that make dangerous left turns. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 21801, the driver of any vehicle intending to turn left must yield the right of way traveling from the opposite direction close enough to pose a hazard.
If a negligent driver worked for a city, that city could potentially be liable in the event of an accident. Generally speaking, employers are vicariously liable for the negligent actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. There are a number of steps that should be taken after a car accident.
- Photos of the accident site should be taken.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- A thorough independent investigation should be conducted.
The family of any victim that has died in a car accident may have legal recourse through a bodily injury claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and funeral expenses. It is essential that evidence is properly preserved after a car accident. A car accident attorney can examine all of the facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Merced County Car Accident
We at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the family of the person killed in this collision. Any person that may have information about what happened should reach out to the police. A thorough investigation must be conducted for the sake of all who have lost so much.
Do you need more information about a Merced County car accident? Our team of personal injury lawyers are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that negligent drivers are held to account for their actions. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (844) 966-0965.
