(San Marcos, CA) A Cox Road DUI crash caused by Manuel Leon Villanueva, 42, gravely injured a 22-year-old man in San Marcos.
On Wednesday, August 20, shortly before 3:30 p.m., the Cox Road DUI crash occurred. According to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office, the incident happened on Cox Road and Mulberry Drive.
Upon investigating, authorities learned Manuel Leon Villanueva drove on Cox Road. While trying to pass a car ahead of him, he drove onto the opposite lane. Meanwhile, a 22-year-old man drove a Lexus sedan on the lane Villanueva merged onto. Suddenly, Villanueva crashed head-on with the Lexus.
By the time paramedics arrived, they found the 22-year-old man with life-threatening injuries, Sgt. Jeremy Collis said. After paramedics treated Villanueva’s minor injuries, officers booked him into the county jail in Vista. Authorities charged him for suspicion of reckless driving and DUI causing great bodily harm.
Legal Opinion on the Cox Road DUI Crash
Driving under the influence and recklessly crossing into oncoming traffic is one of the most dangerous behaviors on the road. Manuel Leon Villanueva attempted to pass another vehicle on Cox Road by entering the opposite lane. In doing so, he crashed head-on into a Lexus driven by a 22-year-old man, causing critical injuries.
This crash violates several key California laws. California Vehicle Code 23153 covers DUI causing injury. It makes it a felony to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, especially if it causes bodily harm to another person. Since officers also booked Villanueva for reckless driving, VEH 23103 applies as well. That law prohibits driving with disregard for the safety of others. Attempting a pass by entering oncoming traffic meets that definition.
Additionally, Villanueva likely violated VEH 21751, which limits passing on two-lane roads. This code says drivers may only pass when the opposite lane is clearly free of oncoming traffic and safe for the maneuver. His decision to pass on a road with opposing traffic, combined with DUI, created the perfect storm for a catastrophic outcome.
What the Injured Victim Can Do
The 22-year-old man who suffered life-threatening injuries has the right to file a personal injury claim against Villanueva. He can seek compensation for emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, and any long-term medical needs or disabilities.
Because Villanueva faces felony DUI charges, the victim’s attorney may also pursue punitive damages. The attorney can obtain the sheriff’s report on the Cox Road DUI crash, chemical test results, and hospital records to build a strong case. If Villanueva lacks enough insurance to cover the full cost of damages, the victim’s own uninsured or underinsured motorist policy may help fill the gap. An experienced attorney can review the available insurance and make sure no sources of recovery are missed.
We at Accident News Now offer our encouragement and support. We know this is a confusing time as you deal with the uncertainties resulting from this terrible incident. If you have any concerns about navigating the legal process surrounding this incident, call 866-883-4318 to speak with a lawyer.
