Merced, California – Six Injured, Two Dead after Traffic Accident on Highway 59

Merced, California (June 25, 2018) – Merced local news reported that a brutal head-on collision involving a 2012 Toyota Siena and a ’92 Mazda truck had taken place on Highway 59. The incident occurred sometime in the evening on Sunday, June 24, 2018. Law enforcement has identified the Mazda driver as 31-year old El Nido resident Jose Alvarado Panigua and the Toyota driver as 47-year old Mariano Ibarra Pena. Besides the driver, seven people occupied the car including 84-year old Rancho Cucamonga resident Victoria Hernandez, 40-year old Zandi Ibarra, 11-year old Sol Ibarra, and three as-of-yet-unidentified children between 3 to 10 years old.

As per the report, the accident took place when Pena tried to pass a big rig truck and, without warning, veered directly in the path of the oncoming Toyota driven by Panigua.  After the collision, paramedics transported Mariano Ibarra Pena and the three youngest children to Mercy Medical Center, where they received treatment for non-life threatening injuries.

Around the same time, medical teams airlifted Zandi Ibarra to Doctor’s Medical Center. Simultaneously, young Sol Ibarra was transported via care flight to Valley Children’s Hospital in Madera to receive treatment for severe injuries.

Recent news reports sadly indicated that Jose Alvarado Panigua suffered traumatic injuries and died instantly from the crash. Likewise, as a result of the impact, Victoria Hernandez also suffered from fatal injuries and died at the site of the accident.

At present, California Highway Patrol has taken control of the ongoing investigation.

We extend our deepest condolences and most loving prayers to the families and friends of Jose Alvarado Panigua and Victoria Hernandez during this difficult, tragic time. We also extend our most loving prayers and thoughts to Mariano Ibarra, Zandi Ibarra, Sol Ibarra, and the three youngest children and wish them fast and efficient recoveries.

Rancho Cucamonga and Merced Wrongful Death and Personal Injury Attorney

While it is possible that the driver of the Mazda might be held accountable for causing the collision, authorities will continue investigating the actions taken by both drivers.  Officials will consider if drunk driving, negligence, distracted driving, or inability to comply with laws contributed to the accident. Forensic examinations will focus on the states of both vehicles as well as markings from the crash site to determine if mechanical issues or total system failure made the drivers lose control.

If authorities conclude that negligence or distracted driving caused the accident, the family of Victoria Hernandez will hold legal rights to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Likewise, the family members of the three children and 11-year old Sol Ibarra will also hold rights to file personal injury lawsuits. By seeking legal assistance, these individuals can receive legal compensation for a variety of issues including medical bills and tragic death.

We at Brady Law Group will work with you to ensure your rights and give you the peace of mind needed to focus on your recovery.

If you’ve been injured as the result of another person’s negligence, please call us at (866) 211-2562 to receive a free consultation with one of our expert attorneys.

Note: Outside sources were used in the creation of this post including news bulletins and first-hand accounts of the accident and injuries involved. As a result, the details of the accident presented have not been independently verified by our own writing staff. If you have identified any false information in the story, please inform us immediately, and we will adjust the posting to reflect the most accurate content available.

Disclaimer: As a member of the local community, we at Brady Law Group strive to improve the overall safety and quality of life for everyone who lives in our beloved state. We are extremely saddened by these accidents but hope that, through an awareness of these dangers, those in our community will take precautions to avoid these accidents. This is not a solicitation for business, and this information should not be misconstrued as medical or legal advice. We wish only the best and quickest recovery to all those involved in the accident.