Merced, CA (December 6, 2023) 57-year-old Teri Lynn Wharton was seriously injured in a hit-and-run accident in Merced on the night before Thanksgiving, according to police officers. The horrible accident happened at the intersection of Olive Avenue and G Street.
The driver, Horacio Garcilazo, was eventually found by authorities. It was determined that he had been driving while under the influence when he hit Wharton, who was crossing the street within the crosswalk. After hitting her, Garcilazo continued driving. Witnesses called 911 after the accident. Wharton’s niece, Amanda Mendoza, said that if it had not been for the witnesses, she would have died.
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Wharton sustained two broken hips, two broken legs, two broken ankles, a broken spine and a broken jaw in the collision. She spent Thanksgiving in the hospital, as well as her 57th birthday, according to her family. She has had 5 surgeries since the accident and doctors have told her family that she may never walk again. After the collision, Wharton was airlifted to Doctors Hospital in Merced, where she remains, healing and awaiting more surgeries.
The Merced Police Department said that officers arrested Horacio Garcilazo for felony hit-and-run and felony DUI.
Wharton’s niece stated that the family just wants justice. Mendoza and other family members are angry because Garcilazo not only seriously injured Wharton, but drove away and left her in the road to die. Medical personnel at Doctors Hospital in Merced said she has a long road of recovery ahead of her.
Who Is At Fault In A Merced Pedestrian Accident
According to the Center for Disease Control, an estimated 137,000 pedestrians were treated in emergency rooms for non-fatal crash-related injuries in 2017. Pedestrians are 1.5 times more likely to be killed in a car crash than those inside a vehicle. Drunk driving, distracted driving, inclement weather and speeding are some of the factors that could lead to a pedestrian accident.
All drivers are legally obligated to pay attention to pedestrians and avoid hitting them while driving. Family members of any victim who was killed in a pedestrian accident may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and suffering. An attorney can examine all of the facts from the accident and let you know what legal options are available to you.
Investigation Of A Merced Pedestrian Accident
We at Accident News Now extend well wishes to Teri Lynn Wharton, who was seriously injured in this Merced hit-and-run accident. Anyone who may have information about this accident is encouraged to contact the police.
Have you or someone you care about been hurt in an accident? Our team of personal injury lawyers is here to answer any questions you may have. We care about the rights of accident victims and want to ensure that those rights are being protected. Whether you need assistance following an accident or you just have some legal questions, we are here to help. You can reach us anytime, day or night, at 866-95-45-4286 or on our contact form at Accident News Now.