Rancho Cucamonga, CA – Bicyclist, Daniel Soto, Killed by DUI Driver on Arrow Rte
Rancho Cucamonga, CA (August 25, 2022) – The identity of a man that was killed in a DUI accident has now been released. Daniel Soto, 41, of Riverside, was killed while bicycling on Saturday, August 20, by a drunk driver in Rancho Cucamonga. A 49-year-old man, Gerald Willis of Rancho Cucamonga, has also been arrested as a result of this tragic event.
Emergency personnel was called to the scene of a tragic accident around 2 a.m. on Saturday when a cyclist, Daniel Soto, was struck by a Jeep, driven by Gerald Willis. Soto was riding in a group of other bicyclists on the shoulder of westbound Arrow Route, heading toward Haven Avenue, when he was suddenly hit by Willis.
Paramedics were immediately called. They arrived on the scene within minutes and assessed Soto’s injuries and provided medical care. Soto sustained very severe injuries and was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. There is no indication that anyone else was injured as a result of the accident.
Police are still investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash. Investigators reported that Willis was under the influence of alcohol. He was booked on suspicion of gross vehicular manslaughter and held at the West Valley Detention Center. Formal charges have been filed against Willis.
We extend our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased victim at this time. Our thoughts are with all those who have been affected by this tragedy.
DUI Accidents in California
Many avid bicyclists in California enjoy the sport of biking. Motor vehicles are obligated to share the roads with them. Bicyclists are especially vulnerable to suffering severe injuries if involved in an accident with vehicles. Unfortunately, oftentimes, motorists are not on the lookout for bicyclists and fail to see them, even when they are riding in a designated bike lane. Bike accidents occur frequently as a result. When a driver is reckless and negligently operating their vehicle, bicyclists are even more vulnerable to being hit and suffering severe injuries.
Many people are seriously injured or tragically killed by drunk drivers each year. However, the law is clear; in California, it is illegal for any person to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, if the person is 21 years old or older, or 0.01% if the person is under 21 years old. Despite these strict laws and penalties associated with breaking the laws, California is struggling with an ever-increasing amount of DUI accidents. When drivers are engaging in negligent and risky behaviors such as drinking and driving, the chance of a serious accident increases dramatically.
Losing a loved one is one of the hardest things to experience in life, especially when their passing comes without warning. When you are grieving, the last thing you want to think about is legal and insurance matters. Contacting a trusted wrongful death attorney can help with the important matters that need to be handled.
If someone you love was killed as a result of someone else’s actions, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for damages, which may include medical expenses, funeral expenses, lost future income and benefits, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of companionship. While no monetary value can replace your loved one’s life, filing a wrongful death suit can bring justice and closure and help ease the stress of any financial burdens caused by their death.
If you have lost somebody you love as a result of someone else’s reckless actions, speak with a legal advocate that you can trust. Please do not hesitate to contact a Rancho Cucamonga wrongful death attorney by calling (888) 539-3154 to see how we can help you.
Note: This post was created through the use of secondary sources such as state and local news sources, police accident reports, social media platforms, and eyewitness accounts about serious injury accidents that take place in Orange County. The facts surrounding this accident have not been independently verified, therefore, if any information is incorrect, please contact Russell & Lazarus APC, Personal Injury Lawyer so we can update the post with the most accurate information available. We will remove this post upon request.
Disclaimer: This is not a solicitation for business. None of the information in this post is intended to be medical or legal advice. The photo used in this post was not taken at the actual accident scene.