[02-21-2025] San Bernardino County, CA – One Person Killed After Driver Flees DUI Crash on West Merrill Avenue in Rialto

Rachel M., a 33-year-old resident of Rialto, was killed after the driver of the vehicle she was in crashed and fled the scene, leaving her behind with life-threatening injuries on West Merrill Avenue in Rialto on Friday evening, February 21, 2025.

According to the Rialto Police Department, the fatal incident occurred at approximately 8:17 p.m. Officers responded to reports of a single-vehicle collision at the 500 block of West Merrill Avenue and found the victim alone in the vehicle, suffering from critical injuries. Despite the officers’ emergency first aid efforts, she was pronounced dead at the scene at 8:25 p.m.

The victim lost her life after the driver, identified as 28-year-old Joshua C. of Rialto, allegedly sped over 85 mph eastbound on Merrill Avenue in a white 2021 Ford Mustang. The driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle at the intersection of Cactus Avenue, crashing into multiple trees before coming to a stop in the westbound lanes.

Authorities stated that the suspect fled the scene, abandoning his passenger in the wrecked vehicle. Witnesses later identified him, and he was apprehended by police. He sustained only minor injuries from the crash.

The investigation revealed evidence suggesting that the suspect was driving under the influence of alcohol and that speed contributed to the fatal collision.

The suspect was booked into a San Bernardino County jail for gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, with bail set at $100,000.

The Rialto Police Department Major Accident Investigation Team is leading the investigation.

Contact Our Trusted DUI Accident Victim Lawyers In Rialto, CA

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not only illegal but also a reckless action that endangers lives across California. These dangerous decisions often lead to devastating accidents, putting innocent people at risk.

If you have been injured in a crash caused by an impaired driver, don’t wait to seek help. At Arash Law, our dedicated legal team is here to support you through the claims process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., we specialize in DUI accident cases, helping you with claim evaluations, gathering essential evidence, and obtaining police reports when necessary.

Our experienced DUI accident victim attorneys in Rialto, CA, are committed to protecting your rights and pursuing your best interests. With a proven history of securing over $500 million in settlements and verdicts, we have the knowledge and resources to handle even the most complex cases.

Take the first step toward justice. Call (888) 488-1391 today or fill out our “Do I Have a Case?” form to schedule a free consultation.

How To Protect Yourself After A DUI Accident In Rialto, CA

Being involved in a DUI accident can leave you feeling shaken and uncertain about your next steps. However, taking the right actions immediately after the accident is essential to safeguard your rights and improve your chances of securing compensation.

Our DUI accident victim attorneys in Rialto recommend the following steps:

1. Stay At The Accident Scene
   While you may move your vehicle to a safer location to avoid further accidents, leaving the scene is not an option. California law requires all parties involved in a traffic collision to remain at the scene, regardless of fault. Leaving could result in hit-and-run charges.
2. Seek Immediate Medical Attention
   Call 911 if you or anyone else is injured.
   Receiving prompt medical care not only ensures your safety but also creates medical records documenting your injuries, which can be crucial for your insurance claim.
3. Report The Accident To The Police
   Contact the local police department right away. Responding officers will investigate the accident, conduct field sobriety tests on the suspected impaired driver, and file an official accident report. This report is vital for supporting your case.
4. Collect Evidence
   Document the accident scene by taking photos and videos of the damages, your injuries, and the involved vehicles. Collect crucial details, including the names, addresses, contact numbers, and insurance information of all parties involved. If witnesses are present, ask for their contact informanies, ensuring you receive the maximum compensation you deserve.ation and statements.
5. Notify Your Insurance Company
   Report the accident to your insurance provider, but be mindful of your statements. Stick to the basic facts, and avoid making comments that could be used against you later.
6. Consult With Arash Law
   Our Rialto DUI accident lawyers will help you understand your legal rights and guide you through the process of pursuing justice against the intoxicated driver. We will also handle negotiations with insurance companies, ensuring you receive the maximum compensation you deserve.

Contact Arash Law today to schedule a free consultation. Our experienced DUI accident attorneys are ready to fight for your rights and help you navigate the legal process.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

DUI Accident Statistics

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), alcohol-impaired driving remains a leading cause of traffic fatalities in the United States. In 2020, there were 11,654 deaths resulting from motor vehicle crashes involving at least one alcohol-impaired driver, accounting for 30% of all traffic fatalities nationwide. This marked a 14.3% increase from 2019, when 10,196 fatalities were recorded. On average, one death occurred every 45 minutes due to alcohol-related crashes in 2020.

The highest percentages of alcohol-impaired drivers involved in fatal crashes were among the age groups of 21 to 24 years and 25 to 34 years, each representing 26% of such incidents. Motorcycle riders accounted for the highest percentage of alcohol-impaired drivers in fatal crashes at 27%, followed by passenger car drivers at 23%, light truck drivers at 19%, and large truck drivers at 3%. In 2020, out of 1,093 traffic fatalities involving children aged 14 and younger, 21% (229 fatalities) occurred in crashes involving alcohol-impaired driving.