Diane Rivas, Humberto Orozco Cervantes Arrested in Wrong-Way DUI Crash on SR 99 in Atwater
Five passengers, including three juveniles, suffered major injuries in the wrong-way collision on State Route 99
Diane Rivas, 35, of Antioch, and Humberto Orozco Cervantes, 33, of Merced, were arrested on suspicion of DUI after a wrong-way accident injured five people on State Route 99 near Atwater Boulevard in Atwater, California, on April 26, according to the Highway Patrol.
A 2019 Honda Civic traveling northbound in the southbound lanes at approximately 40 mph collided head-on with a southbound 2015 Chevrolet Equinox traveling at approximately 65 to 70 mph. The impact occurred in the number one lane shortly before 1 a.m.
Three juveniles suffered moderate to major injuries and were taken to Children’s Medical Center in Madera. Two women suffered major injuries and were transported to Memorial Medical Center and Doctors Medical Center.
Investigators determined both drivers were under the influence of alcohol at the time of the collision. Both were taken into custody, and the crash remains under investigation.
Emergency personnel immediately treated and evaluated the patients before transporting them to the various medical centers. No further details about the conditions of the injured passengers have been released.
Why did the Honda Civic travel the wrong way on State Route 99?
While the exact circumstances of the wrong-way entry remain under investigation, victims of impaired drivers often face a difficult recovery process. "What many people miss is that repeat drunk drivers often stay on the road even after their licenses are taken away, and without insurance, victims can be left with little recourse," said National Legal Analyst Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 12,429 people died in alcohol-impaired driving crashes nationwide in 2023. This accounts for nearly one-third of all traffic deaths across the country.
What are the legal options for the five injured passengers?
In crashes involving multiple impaired drivers, liability can become highly complex as insurance adjusters attempt to shift blame between the at-fault parties. "Victims should seek legal guidance when pursuing a personal injury case, which allows them to handle insurance communications and protect a victim's rights. Insurance companies often try to pressure victims to settle for a quick payout for far less than the case is worth. However, an attorney will vigorously advocate for their client to ensure that they are treated with respect and compensated fairly," said National Legal Analyst Stefano Formica, Of Counsel at Bond Legal. Investigators will continue to review toxicology reports and crash scene evidence to determine the exact sequence of events.
California personal injury framework
California follows a pure comparative fault system. Injured parties may recover damages reduced by their percentage of fault. The statute of limitations is 2 years from the date of the crash.
Damages include economic losses (medical bills, lost income, rehabilitation) and non-economic losses (pain, suffering, emotional distress).