[01-31-2025] Orange County, CA – 88-Year-Old Man Killed, Another Injured in Suspected DUI Crash at Golden Lantern and Stonehill Drive in Dana Point

An 88-year-old man was killed, and another person sustained serious injuries following a two-vehicle crash involving a suspected DUI driver in Dana Point on Friday evening, January 31, 2025.

According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, the incident occurred at approximately 6:15 p.m. at the intersection of Golden Lantern and Stonehill Drive.

A Land Rover SUV traveling westbound on Stonehill Drive reportedly turned left against a red arrow signal, colliding with an eastbound Ford Transit van.

Melvin W., a passenger in the Transit van, was pronounced dead at the scene. The van’s driver was transported to a hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

The driver of the Land Rover, 48-year-old Serene R. of Dana Point, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence with three prior convictions. She was booked into the Orange County Jail on charges of murder and DUI causing injury.

Authorities are urging anyone with information regarding the crash to contact them at (949) 425-1860.

The investigation is ongoing.

Call Our Respected DUI Accident Victim Lawyers In Dana Point, CA

In California, it is illegal to drive if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This reckless driving behavior often causes crashes and puts many lives at risk. If you were hurt or lost a loved one in a crash caused by a drunk driver, contact our injury law firm right away. We will help you navigate the court system to get the fair compensation you deserve for your losses and damages.

Your case will be evaluated for free by our renowned Dana Point drunk driving accident victim lawyers, who are managed by the distinguished Arash Khorsandi, Esq. If you hire us, we will maximize your financial recovery, advocate for your legal rights, and support your claim. Our team has proven its ability to handle even the most difficult situations, recovering over $750 million in settlements and verdicts for our clients.

To arrange a free initial consultation, contact our attorneys at (888) 488-1391 or fill out our “Do I Have a Case?” form.

What To Do After Being Injured In 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:

1. Stay 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.
2. Seek Prompt Medical Help — 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.
3. Inform 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

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.