A man was arrested on suspicion of DUI and vehicular homicide after crashing into a power pole in Costa Mesa early Sunday morning, January 26, 2025, leading to the death of a passenger and the hospitalization of another.
According to the Costa Mesa Police Department, the incident occurred just before 3:00 a.m. at the Santa Ana Avenue and 22nd Street intersection near the Costa Mesa (55) Freeway. The crash happened after Newport Beach police pursued a suspect in a stolen vehicle in Costa Mesa.
The driver, identified as 20-year-old Carson resident A. Samayoa, was allegedly speeding when he lost control and crashed into an Edison power pole. Emergency responders transported Samayoa and a back-seat passenger to a nearby hospital, while the front-seat passenger was pronounced dead at the scene. The victim’s identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
Samayoa was taken into custody and faces charges of vehicular homicide, felony DUI, felony evasion, and attempted vehicle theft.
The condition of the injured passenger remains unknown as authorities continue their investigation.
Call Our Industry-Recognized DUI Accident Victim Lawyers In Costa Mesa
In California, it is illegal to drive after using drugs or booze. This reckless driving often causes crashes and puts many lives at risk. If you were hurt or lost a loved one in an accident caused by a drunk driver, contact our Costa Mesa injury law firm right away. We will help you navigate the legal system to get fair and complete pay for your losses and damages.
Our well-known drunk driving accident victim lawyers, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., will review your case for free. If you choose us, we will help you get the most money possible, stand up for your legal rights, and assist with your claim. Our team has shown that we can manage tough situations, winning over $500 million in settlements and verdicts for our clients.
To arrange a free initial consultation, contact our attorneys at (888) 488-1391 or complete our “Do I Have a Case?” form.
What To Do After Being A Victim Of A DUI Accident
If you are still able to do so after a DUI collision, you must take specific steps immediately to protect your rights and improve your chances of receiving compensation. Our DUI accident victim attorneys strongly recommend the following courses of action:
- Remain On The Scene — If possible, move your car to the side of the road to avoid future collisions, but do not leave the scene. Everyone involved in a car accident must stay, regardless of who is at fault. Otherwise, you may face hit-and-run charges.
- Seek Medical Help Right Away — Call 911 if you or anybody else is injured. Immediate on-site medical attention will help prevent complications. Additionally, you will be able to document the physical injury you sustained, which will prevent insurance companies from downplaying your claim.
- Notify The Authorities — Officers may put the involved parties in field sobriety tests. They will also prepare an accident report that can support your claim in the future.
- Gather Evidence — Take photos and videos of the damaged vehicles, the scene of the collision, and the injuries. Take note of crucial information, including the other parties’ names, addresses, phone numbers, and insurance details. You can also ask for witnesses’ contact details.
- Notify Your Insurance Provider — Provide only the information that is absolutely necessary. They can use everything you say against your claim, so be careful what you say.
- Consult With Arash Law — Our DUI accident lawyers will help you with the process of bringing the intoxicated motorist to justice. We will vigorously negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you get the maximum amount.
DUI Accident Statistics
According to the NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis, motor vehicle traffic crashes with at least one drunk driver caused 11,654 fatalities in 2020, which accounted for 30% of all road fatalities in the US. Deaths from alcohol-impaired driving rose 14.3% from 10,196 in 2019 to 11,654 in 2020.
On average, one death from alcohol-impaired driving occurred every 45 minutes. The age categories of 21 to 24 and 25 to 34 had the highest percentages of alcohol-impaired drivers involved in fatal collisions, accounting for 26% of all such accidents in 2020.
Twenty-seven percent of all alcohol-impaired drivers were motorcyclists, followed by drivers of passenger cars (23%), light trucks (19%), and heavy trucks (3%). Of the 1,093 road deaths in 2020, which included children under the age of 14, alcohol-impaired driving was responsible for 229 deaths, or 21% of the total.