Hamilton Dias Bonilla, 35, Antonia Bautista Santiago Killed in DUI Crash
LOS OLIVOS, Calif. (Dec. 18, 2017) — Rigoberto Gracida Paucene, 30, has been arrested on suspicion of drunk driving following a crash Sunday that killed two Santa Maria residents.
The victims, identified as Hamilton Dias Bonilla, 35, Antonia Bautista Santiago, 50, both of Santa Maria, died at the scene. Four others were hurt in the 3-vehicle crash reported at about 2 a.m. on Dec. 17.
The collision took place when a Paucene was reportedly heading eastbound in his Nissan SUV on Highway 154 and veered into the path of a westbound Honda Accord driven by Bonilla. The vehicles collided and the Nissan overturned. A Dodge minivan, driven by Aurelio Salvador Zaragoza, 43, then struck the Nissan. Zaragoza suffered major injuries and his passenger, Santiago, died at the scene.
Firefighters arriving at the scene had to extricate multiple people who were trapped in vehicles.
Two passengers in the Honda were hurt. Antonio Rafael, 32, suffered moderate injuries and Ricio Arroyo Cortes, had minor injuries.
Three people were taken by ambulance to Marian Regional Medical Center in Santa Maria.
Police say the suspected DUI driver suffered minor injuries in the collision.
We offer our sincere condolences to the families and friends of the deceased victims during such a difficult time.
Santa Barbara County Wrongful Death and Personal Injury Lawyer
Rigoberto Paucene has been arrested for allegedly causing the crash that took the lives of two innocent people and injured three others. Paucene will now face possible criminal charges, but the victims who were hurt and the families of those who died may bring a civil lawsuit against him as well.
At this time, the suspect is facing charges of driving under the influence of alcohol, however, if he has any prior convictions for DUI he could face murder charges.
The family members those who died have a right to pursue a wrongful death claim and those hurt may file a personal injury claim against Paucene. However, it’s unlikely that the insurance company will willingly pay out fair compensation.
A qualified personal injury attorney can ensure that all losses including funeral costs, hospital bills, loss of future income, loss of love and companionship and pain and suffering are considered when negotiating a fair settlement.
If you, or your loved one, have been a victim in an auto accident caused by the negligence or wrongdoing of another person, we urge you to contact Johnson Attorneys Group and speak with one of our experienced Santa Barbara County wrongful death and personal injury lawyers to help you. Give us a call today at 800-235-6801 for a free consultation.
- BAKERSFIELD: 2-Vehicle Crash on Wible Road, Belle Terrace - March 22, 2023
- Oildale Car Accident Chester Avenue and Roberts Lane - March 22, 2023
- Joshua Thompson Fatal Rialto Pedestrian Accident on Riverside Avenue - March 22, 2023
