(Valinda, CA) Carlos Cardona Acosta, 23, and Jossue de Leon Villegas, 21, were tragically killed by a DUI driver in Valinda on Tuesday, January 14.
The crash occurred around 10:45 p.m. near Temple and North Azusa avenues. An impaired driver in a Jeep slammed into a Nissan Versa, killing the two victims at the scene. A third victim who has not been identified succumbed to their injuries at a hospital.
The three victims had all been in the Nissan.
Devastating footage from the scene showed the Jeep had rolled on its side in a grassy area next to the intersection. The Nissan Versa was heavily damaged, and debris was scattered across the street. The suspect is shown speaking with police officers and appearing uninjured.
The Jeep driver was arrested on suspicion of DUI and vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.
The Accident News Now team extends our heartfelt sympathies to the loved ones and families of the victims during this difficult time. A loss like this can cause unimaginable pain. If you or someone you know has been impacted by this tragedy, we are here for you. Our legal experts can help you navigate this extraordinarily hard time and get you the answers you deserve.
Have you or a loved one been impacted by this event? Our team specializes in car accidents and we are here to help. You can reach us 24/7 at (866) 945-4286 or visit our online contact form at Accident News Now.
Liability in a Valinda Car Accident
California Vehicle Code 23152 states clearly that “it is unlawful for a person who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage to drive a vehicle.” The limit is a blood-alcohol-content of 0.08%–more than that, and a motorist is determined to be under the influence.
California Vehicle Code 23153 further specifies the consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol and causing bodily injury to another person. This code states.
The consequences of violating these laws are outlined in California Vehicle Code 23536, which states:
(a) If a person is convicted of a first violation of Section 23152, that person shall be punished by imprisonment in the county jail for not less than 96 hours, at least 48 hours of which shall be continuous, nor more than six months, and by a fine of not less than three hundred ninety dollars ($390), nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000).
(b) The court shall order that a person punished under subdivision (a), who is to be punished by imprisonment in the county jail, be imprisoned on days other than days of regular employment of the person, as determined by the court. If the court determines that 48 hours of continuous imprisonment would interfere with the person’s work schedule, the court shall allow the person to serve the imprisonment whenever the person is normally scheduled for time off from work. The court may make this determination based upon a representation from the defendant’s attorney or upon an affidavit or testimony from the defendant.
(c) The person’s privilege to operate a motor vehicle shall be suspended by the department under paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of Section 13352 or Section 13352.1. The court shall require the person to surrender the driver’s license to the court in accordance with Section 13550.
(d) Whenever, when considering the circumstances taken as a whole, the court determines that the person punished under this section would present a traffic safety or public safety risk if authorized to operate a motor vehicle during the period of suspension imposed under paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of Section 13352 or Section 13352.1, the court may disallow the issuance of a restricted driver’s license required under Section 13352.4.
Driving under the influence is never worth the risk. If you’ve had a drink or used a substance, call a designated driver to take you home.
