A tragic incident in Mission Viejo has led to the death of a woman after a suspected wrong-way DUI crash early Wednesday morning. The collision occurred around 1:40 a.m. near the intersection of Marguerite Parkway and Pueblonuevo Drive, where a 26-year-old woman, identified as Geraldine Caicedo-Perez, allegedly drove a Chevrolet Malibu in the wrong direction, crashing head-on into a Toyota Camry. The impact resulted in the death of the female driver of the Camry, a woman in her 60s, whose identity is being withheld pending the notification of her next of kin.
According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, deputies arrived on the scene to find the two vehicles severely damaged. Preliminary investigations suggest that Caicedo-Perez was driving southbound on Marguerite Parkway when her vehicle collided with the Toyota Camry. The driver of the Camry was transported to a nearby hospital but was later pronounced dead. Both Caicedo-Perez and a passenger in the Chevrolet Malibu were also taken to the hospital with injuries related to the crash.
Caicedo-Perez has since been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI) and gross vehicular manslaughter. She was booked into the Orange County Jail, where she awaits further legal proceedings. Authorities are urging anyone with information regarding the crash to contact the sheriff’s Traffic Bureau at 949-425-1860. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS.
This heartbreaking incident highlights the devastating consequences of impaired driving. The victim’s family is now left to mourn the loss of a loved one, and while no amount of compensation can bring her back, it is essential for those affected to understand the types of compensation available in such tragic circumstances.
Compensation for Victims of Wrong-Way DUI Crashes
In cases like this, where a loved one has been tragically killed due to the negligence of a DUI driver, the victims’ family members may be entitled to various forms of compensation. While the primary focus is often on criminal justice, families of the victims may also seek civil compensation for their loss.
This compensation may include:
- Funeral and Burial Expenses: The family may seek reimbursement for the funeral and burial costs, which can be financially overwhelming during such a difficult time.
- Loss of Companionship: Survivors of the victim, including children, spouses, or parents, may be entitled to compensation for the emotional and financial impact of losing a loved one.
- Medical Expenses: If the victim was transported to a hospital before passing away, the family may be entitled to recover the medical expenses incurred during their care.
- Pain and Suffering: In wrongful death cases, compensation can also be sought for the emotional suffering caused by the sudden loss of a loved one.
- Punitive Damages: In cases involving gross negligence, such as DUI accidents, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the at-fault party and deter similar conduct in the future.
At Text Kevin Accident Attorneys by Crockett Law Group, our experienced team of legal professionals understands the complexities of wrongful death claims, especially in cases involving DUI accidents. We are dedicated to helping families seek the justice and compensation they deserve. We work tirelessly to gather evidence, consult with experts, and build a strong case to ensure that the responsible parties are held accountable.
Our law firm extends our deepest sympathies to the friends and family of the victims who are mourning the loss of their loved ones. It’s important to have experienced wrongful death lawyers on your side when losing a loved one in a car accident. Call us at 1-888-965-3827 for a free and confidential case evaluation. You can reach us 24 hours a day and 7 days a week by phone, text, and online chat. for one-on-one consultation, you are free to visit our office.
Note: Our law office relies on external sources for the content of this post. Although we aim for accuracy, we have not independently verified all facts related to this incident. Please notify Crockett Law Group for corrections if you identify any inaccuracies. Posts will be removed upon request.
Disclaimer: The content of this post is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation for business. The information contained herein is not intended to offer legal or medical advice. If you or someone you care about has been injured in an accident, it is recommended to seek immediate medical assistance. The photo featured in this post was not taken at the actual scene of the accident.
Source: MY NEWS LA