TEMECULA, CA (July 25, 2022) – Jessica Nieto, 33, of Temecula, accused of driving drunk with three children in her vehicle, leading to a Temecula crash that killed her 8-year-old daughter, was arrested on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter and other counts, California Highway Patrol officials said today.
The car accident happened at 6:20 p.m. Sunday at the intersection state Route 79 and Anza Road, according to the CHP.
Investigators said Jessica Nieto was behind the wheel of a 2011 Honda Pilot that was heading west on the two-lane highway when it drifted to the right and into the dirt shoulder. Nieto attempted to pull the SUV back onto the roadway but over-corrected, sending the vehicle into the opposing lane, according to the CHP.
The Pilot then collided with an eastbound 2011 Chevrolet Silverado that was going between 55 and 60 mph.
Investigators said an 8-year-old girl in the Pilot was not wearing a seatbelt and was pronounced dead at the scene.
A 12-year-old boy and a 5-year-old girl in the Honda suffered major injuries and were taken to Riverside County Regional Medical Center. Nieto was taken to Inland Valley Medical Center with major injuries.
Three Thermal residents in the Silverado were also injured and taken to Inland Valley Medical Center. The driver, Benjamin Mauldin, 46, and a 43- year-old woman suffered major injuries while a 12-year-old girl suffered minor injuries, the CHP reported.
Nieto was arrested on suspicion of felony DUI, child endangerment and gross vehicular manslaughter, according to the CHP.
There was no record yet of Jessica Nieto being booked into Riverside County jail. Although she likely remains hospitalized, the extent of her injuries was unknown.
[This is an update to an earlier article we published via City News Service]
Liability In Temecula DUI Car Accidents
It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 23152, “(a) It is unlawful for a person who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage to drive a vehicle. (b) It is unlawful for a person who has 0.08 percent or more, by weight, of alcohol in his or her blood to drive a vehicle.” Even small amounts of alcohol can substantially impair drivers in the following ways:
- Delayed reaction times
- Loss of muscle control
- Impaired judgment
- Lowered alertness
The family of any victim that has been injured or killed in a collision with a drunk driver may have legal recourse through a bodily injury or wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. A wrongful death attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating Jessica Nieto’s DUI Car Accident
We at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the Nieto family after the death of their child. Any person that may have information about what happened should reach out to the police. A thorough investigation must be conducted for the sake of all who have lost so much.
Do you need more information about an accident that took place in Temecula? Do you need advice on what to do after a car accident? There are a number of laws designed to protect your rights. Our team of personal injury attorneys are here to answer any questions that you may have. Whether you just have legal questions or need more information about an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (844) 966-0965.