Dallas, TX (November 15, 2023) A drunk driver ended the lives of two people over the weekend in Dallas, according to authorities. 21-year-old Lester Matute-Irquea and 36-year-old Jesus Garcia Perez both lost their lives that morning. Joel Rosales-Perez, 23, admitted to driving while drunk; a decision that would change lives. The fatal collision occurred near Military Parkway and North Jim Miller Road in east Dallas.
Officers arrived at the deadly scene and said they found a trail of damage from the crash. A flashing school zone sign had been knocked over and was laying on the ground, but still flashing. Debris and glass also littered the roadway; a reminder that something horrible had just taken place.
The trail of destruction has since been cleaned and candles from a memorial to the two who lost their lives are in its place. A resident of the area, Linda Morris, said she is still finding glass and debris in her front yard from the crash.
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The collision occurred just before 5:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 13th, according to the Dallas Police Department. Witnesses said that Rosales-Perez was seen pacing near the accident afterward, visibly upset. Initial investigation revealed that Rosales-Perez had been speeding on Military Parkway in a gray BMW when he swerved to the right and collided with 2 people who were standing near a blue Chevrolet Cruise on the shoulder.
Matute-Urquea and Perez were hit with such force that they were each thrown in opposite directions and were both pronounced dead at the scene. Officers referred to the scene as a gruesome sight and Morris said she can’t get the image out of her head.
Rosales-Perez remained at the scene and admitted to officers that he had been to a party and a bar and was drunk when he got behind the wheel. He was arrested and booked into the Dallas County Jail.
Liability In Dallas DUI Car Accidents
It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Pursuant to Texas Vehicle Code 4904, “(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 A Dallas DUI Car Accident
We at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the families of Lester Matute-Urquea and Jesus Garcia Perez. 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 Dallas? 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.