[04-19-2025] Orange County, CA – Toddler and Man Killed in Suspected DUI Crash Involving Two SUVs on 5 Freeway in Anaheim

A toddler and a man were killed following a suspected DUI crash involving two SUVs in Anaheim on Saturday night, April 19, 2025.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the crash was reported at approximately 7:10 p.m. on the northbound 5 Freeway near Magnolia Avenue.

A woman driving a white Chevrolet SUV reportedly lost control of her vehicle and collided with a Ford SUV carrying five occupants.

Authorities confirmed that a toddler and a man who were inside the Ford SUV died due to the crash. The condition of the three other occupants in the Ford vehicle remains unknown.

The driver of the Chevrolet, suspected of driving under the influence, sustained major injuries and was transported to a hospital for treatment.

The CHP is investigating the cause of the crash.

Contact Our DUI Accident Victim Lawyers In Anaheim, CA

Accidents involving suspected impaired drivers can result in serious injuries or fatalities, leaving families and loved ones with physical, emotional, and financial challenges. Understanding potential legal options may help families make informed decisions after such a collision.

DUI accident victim lawyers in Anaheim can assist with reviewing official reports, coordinating with insurance providers, and explaining how compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages may be pursued. Early legal guidance may help protect evidence and better understand the legal process.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a DUI-related freeway accident, call our car accident lawyers in Anaheim at (888) 488-1391 or fill out our “Do I Have a Case?” form for a free initial consultation.

What To Do After A DUI-Related Car Accident In Anaheim, CA

DUI-related accidents can have devastating consequences. When injuries are severe or result in fatalities, families and loved ones may face difficult decisions and challenges. Taking the right steps early can help protect legal rights and preserve critical evidence.

1. Call 911 And Seek Medical Attention
   Contact emergency services immediately so anyone injured receives prompt medical care.
2. Document The Scene And Vehicle Damage
   If it is safe, take photographs of the crash scene, vehicles involved, and any visible injuries. Documentation may help support insurance and legal claims.
3. Collect Witness Information
   Gather names and contact details of any witnesses. Their statements may help clarify how the collision occurred and identify the responsible driver.
4. Consult Personal Injury Lawyers
   Personal injury lawyers in Anaheim can explain legal options, assist with insurance communications, and help preserve time-sensitive evidence. Early guidance may help families protect their rights and ensure the case is handled appropriately.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

DUI Accident Statistics

In 2020, alcohol-impaired driving was a major factor in traffic fatalities across the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) National Center for Statistics and Analysis, 11,654 deaths were attributed to crashes involving a drunk driver, making up 30% of all traffic-related deaths that year. This represented a 14.3% increase from 2019, when 10,196 such fatalities were recorded.

On average, one person is killed in a drunk driving crash every 45 minutes. The age groups with the highest percentage of impaired drivers in fatal crashes were those aged 21 to 24 and 25 to 34, each accounting for 26% of these incidents.

When looking at vehicle types, motorcyclists had the highest percentage of alcohol impairment in fatal collisions at 27%. They were followed by drivers of passenger cars at 23%, light trucks at 19%, and large trucks at 3%.

Among the 1,093 children aged 14 and under who died in traffic accidents that year, 21% (229 deaths) were connected to alcohol-related crashes. Notably, 67% of all DUI fatalities (7,831 deaths) involved drivers with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.15 g/dL or higher, nearly double the legal limit.

The data also revealed that drunk driving crashes resulting in death were 3.1 times more likely to occur at night than during daylight hours.