SANTA ANA, CA (August 15, 2022) – 32-year-old Margarita Rosales, of Santa Ana, is believed to have caused a DUI-related crash in Lake Elsinore, in Riverside County, that killed one person and hospitalized two others, authorities said today.
Margarita Rosales fled the scene of the crash but was arrested a short time later, said Riverside County sheriff’s Sgt. Brad Foster.
The two-vehicle crash was reported at 10:33 p.m. Saturday in the 29000 block of Lake Street, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.
One person, who was not immediately identified, was pronounced dead at the scene and two others were taken to a hospital by ambulance, one with major injuries and the second with minor injuries, authorities reported.
Two other people were evaluated at the scene, with one declining further medical treatment.
“It is believed alcohol and speed are factors in the collision,” Foster said.
Rosales was booked at the Byrd Detention Center in Murrieta for suspicion of manslaughter, hit-and-run and driving under the influence causing injury, he said.
Anyone who witnessed the collision was encouraged to call Deputy Downs at 951-245-3000, or the sheriff’s dispatch at 951-776-1099.
[via City News Service]
UPDATE August 16, 2022: Rosales posted a $75,000 bond Monday afternoon and was released from jail.
According to Riverside County sheriff’s Sgt. Brad Foster, about 10:30 p.m. Saturday, Rosales was driving through the intersection of Lake Street and Lakeshore Drive when she allegedly collided with another vehicle occupied by three people.
Foster alleged the suspect bailed out of her wrecked sedan and ran away before patrol deputies and county fire personnel arrived a couple of minutes later.
Paramedics found two people who were seriously injured and one person with minor injuries, according to fire officials.
One of the people with significant injuries was pronounced dead at the scene. The victim’s identity has not been released. The other two victims were taken to Inland Valley Medical Center in Wildomar for treatment. They are recovering.
Foster said deputies located Rosales within a half-hour and took her into custody without incident. She was not injured.
Background information on the suspect was unavailable.
Liability In Lake Elsinore 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 Margarita Rosales’ DUI Car Accident
We at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the family of the person killed in this terrible accident. 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 Lake Elsinore? 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.