(Murrieta, CA) A woman died from a California Oaks Road DUI collision at an intersection in Murrieta.
On Thursday, August 7, a little before 5 p.m., the California Oaks Road DUI crash occurred. According to the Murrieta Police Department, it happened on the westbound California Oaks Road at an intersection with traffic lights.
When police investigated, they learned 39-year-old Jaime Ruiz Jr. of Murrieta drove a pickup truck. He reportedly drove through a red light on California Oaks Road. As a result, he crashed into another vehicle, causing both vehicles to spin out.
By the time Murrieta Fire & Rescue personnel arrived, they found the woman gravely injured, said Lt. Miguel Garcia. They extricated her wreckage and transported her to a regional trauma center, where she died a short time later.
Meanwhile, Police arrested Jaime Ruiz at the California Oaks Road DUI crash site. They booked him Thursday on suspicion of DUI gross vehicular manslaughter, resulting in injuries and child endangerment. Ruiz posted a $75,000 bond and was released the following Friday morning. The child with him, who was not hurt, was placed in protective custody.
Legal Opinion of the California Oaks Road DUI Crash
Driving through a red light violates California Vehicle Code 21453, which requires drivers to stop at a red light. Violating this law while under the influence is an even more serious violation. Under VEH 23153, which makes it illegal to drive while impaired and cause injury to another person. In this case, the alleged DUI and red-light violation led to a violent crash, resulting in the death of an innocent woman. That fatality elevates the matter to gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated under Penal Code 191.5(a), a felony punishable by significant prison time. The presence of a child in the vehicle adds another layer of criminal exposure under Penal Code 273a, which prohibits endangering a child’s safety.
What the Family Can Do
The victim’s family can file a wrongful death lawsuit under California Code of Civil Procedure 377.60. This allows surviving spouses, children, or other qualifying relatives to recover damages for loss of companionship, emotional suffering, and the financial impact of her death. They may also recover funeral and burial expenses. If the victim suffered before passing, her estate may seek compensation for that pain through a survival action under CCP 377.30. Because the driver was allegedly intoxicated, punitive damages may be available to punish and deter similar conduct.
Given the seriousness of the charges, time is critical. Evidence such as traffic light data, eyewitness accounts, and toxicology reports will be essential. An attorney experienced in DUI wrongful death cases can preserve this evidence and navigate both the criminal and civil processes in parallel. While no legal action can undo the loss, pursuing justice may help provide some measure of accountability and financial support for the family’s future.
We at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the family of the victim. We know this is a difficult time as you mourn the tragic and sudden loss of a loved one. If you have any concerns about navigating the legal process surrounding this horrible incident, call 866-883-4318 to speak with a lawyer.
