![[02-15-2025] 17-Year-Old Driver Dies After Crashing Into Canal on Snelling Road](https://ak1.to//aQdRw.webp)
A 17-year-old boy from Merced died following a solo vehicle crash into a canal in Merced County on Saturday night, February 15, 2025.
The California Highway Patrol responded to the crash around 7:00 p.m. near Snelling Road and Youd Road.
According to authorities, the teen driver was traveling northbound in a 2016 Nissan Altima when he lost control, veered off the road, went through a fence, and ended up submerged in the canal.
Cal Fire Rescue Team and the Merced County Sheriff Dive and Rescue Team responded to the scene and successfully pulled the driver and a passenger from the vehicle.
The driver was transported to Mercy Medical Center in Merced before being transferred to Children’s Hospital in Madera, where he succumbed to his injuries on Sunday.
The passenger suffered minor injuries, according to the CHP.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash and have not determined whether drugs or alcohol were factors.
Don’t Know What To Do After An Accident?
Your safety and rights depend on what you do next after an accident. Remember the following steps if you find yourself in one:
- Check yourself for any injuries.
- Stay on the scene, call 9-1-1, and wait for emergency responders.
- Move your vehicle to the road shoulder if safe; turn on hazard lights.
- Fully cooperate with law enforcement and stay until cleared to leave.
- Document the scene and injuries with photos and videos.
- Seek immediate medical attention.
- Contact your insurance company and find a personal injury lawyer for legal advice.
What A Lawyer Can Do For You
Many victims put off calling a lawyer even if they sustain injuries after an accident. However, lawyers can help you in many ways. They can provide you with police reports, CCTV footage, and witness statements to strengthen your case. Your attorney will also negotiate with insurance companies to get you fair compensation. The best part is that they will do all of these things for you at no upfront cost. So if you’re injured in an accident, hire a personal injury attorney to recover medical bills, car repair costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
