[01-25-2023] Orange County, CA – Suspected DUI Driver Arrested After Killing Three People in Placentia, Several People Hospitalized

Three people were killed, including a 10-year-old girl, and several were hospitalized after a suspected DUI crash in Placentia on Wednesday night, January 25, 2023.

The fatal collision occurred around 8:45 p.m. near Orangethorpe Avenue and Melrose Street.

According to authorities, a dark-colored Honda compact car and a passenger van were involved, and at least six passengers in the van were injured.

Several people were thrown out of the van, allegedly due to an intoxicated driver.

When responders arrived, they found that the 10-year-old, identified as Lucero L., and 36-year-old Alberto Vicente L. had already died.

A third person, whose identity has not been disclosed, sustained severe injuries and died on the way to the hospital.

Meanwhile, an 8-year-old boy, Lucero’s younger brother, and her mother have both been taken to the hospital. The mother is believed to survive.

Officials suspect that a 24-year-old man from Santa Ana drove under the influence and ran a red light, striking a van driven by a pastor taking people home from church.

The suspect was arrested for felony DUI.

We urge you to call Placentia Police Traffic Division at 714-993-8157 if you know anything about this case.

Fatal DUI Collision Statistics

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that more than a million people were hurt in accidents involving alcohol in 2018. In 2017, there were 38,133 deaths and 938,000 injuries, so these numbers are a big jump.

In California, drunk driving causes the deaths of more than 2,000 people and injures more than 30,000 others each year. Drunk driving and driving while impaired have different legal limits based on the driver’s age and the type of vehicle.

The driver, passengers, and the environment are all adversely affected by drunk driving. An estimated 2 billion gallons of gas are wasted yearly because drunk drivers make lousy driving choices.

When you look at these numbers, it’s easy to see why everyone needs to watch how much they drink and not drive if they’ve had too much to drink.

DUI Accident Attorneys for Victims in Placentia

A lawsuit can be filed against the driver who caused the collision that injured you. Affected individuals must deal with various difficulties, including lost wages, lost time from work, and medical expenses.

Our firm provides aggressive representation for DUI accident victims. Drunk drivers are responsible for their actions due to the risks they pose on the road. Therefore, drunk drivers must be held accountable and made to pay for the harm they cause.

Our DUI accident attorneys for victims in Placentia work tirelessly to ensure that clients receive the best settlement possible and win their cases.

We can assist you if one of your loved ones has been injured by drunk driving in California. For a free consultation, call us at (888) 488-1391 or through our website’s “Do I Have a Case?” form.