Merced, CA (November 10, 2023) 67-year-old Josephine Fluetsch lost her life on Tuesday evening when she was hit by a vehicle in Merced, according to the Merced Police Department. The tragic accident occurred just minutes before 8:00 p.m., November 7th, on G Street between 25th Street and 26th Street.
Merced Police Sgt. Nathan McKinnon said it appeared that Fluetsch was trying to cross the street when she was struck by a 2016 Toyota Camry. The vehicle, driven by a 23-year-old man, was heading north on G Street at the time of the accident. Officers reported that the woman stepped into the street, without being in a designated crosswalk. It appears that the woman stepped right into traffic, according to officers. The driver of the Toyota was unable to avoid Fluetsch and struck her.
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Police officers arrived at the scene and found Fluetsch lying in the roadway. Paramedics arrived, prepared to perform life-saving measures, but Fluetsch was pronounced dead at the scene. The Merced County Sheriff’s Coroner’s Office was then called to the scene.
The driver of the Toyota stopped the vehicle after the collision and attempted to alert other drivers that a pedestrian was down in the road. However, officers believe she may have been struck by at least two other cars who left the scene. Merced Police Sgt. McKinnon said these drivers could face felony hit-and-run charges. The driver of the Toyota remained at the scene and cooperated with authorities following the collision.
Authorities are investigating this collision and anyone with information is asked to call Merced Police Officer McKeeman at 209-388-7752.
Liability In Merced Pedestrian Accidents
Thousands of pedestrians are killed or seriously injured every year in pedestrian accidents. According to the Centers for Disease Control, “An estimated 137,000 pedestrians were treated in emergency departments for nonfatal crash-related injuries in 2017. Per trip, pedestrians are 1.5 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to be killed in a car crash.” There are a number of factors that could lead to a pedestrian collision including:
- Speeding
- Drunk driving
- Driver distraction
- Inclement weather
All drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care in order to avoid hitting pedestrians. The family of any victim that died in a pedestrian collision may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. A wrongful death attorney can examine all of the facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating the Hit-and-Run Crash in Merced
We at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the family of Josephine Fluetsch. Any person that may have information about what happened should reach out to police. There needs to be some accountability for what happened.
Have you or someone that you care about been injured in a car accident? Our team of personal injury attorneys are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need assistance after an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (844) 966-0965.