Santa Rosa, CA (August 16, 2024) – A devastating collision on Friday, August 16, 2024, in Santa Rosa has left 31-year-old peace officer Jessica Avila Munoz dead and a repeat DUI offender facing serious charges.
Accident Details: The accident occurred around 1:35 p.m. at the intersection of Sebastopol Road and Lombardi Court. The incident unfolded when Munoz turned left from Lombardi Court onto eastbound Sebastopol Road. Her Honda was struck by a Dodge pickup truck driven by 68-year-old Nhan Van Nguyen. Police believe Nguyen ran a red light while traveling westbound on Sebastopol Road.
The force of the collision caused Munoz’s vehicle to collide with a third car, a Prius. The driver of that vehicle was uninjured. Munoz, however, was trapped in her car and suffered severe injuries. Despite the best efforts of first responders, who extricated her from the vehicle, Munoz succumbed to her injuries at a nearby hospital.
Investigation: Nguyen, who has four prior DUI convictions, was later confirmed to be under the influence of alcohol. Nguyen was driving with a suspended license, further compounding the reckless nature of his actions. He has since been arrested and booked into Sonoma County Jail on charges of gross vehicular manslaughter and felony DUI causing great bodily injury.
Legal Considerations: As a personal injury attorney, I find that several aspects of this case warrant further examination. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a clear violation of the duty of care every driver owes to others on the road. When a driver chooses to get behind the wheel while impaired, they are not just breaking the law—they are exhibiting a blatant disregard for the safety of others and acting negligently.
In this context, negligence refers to the failure to act with the level of care that a reasonable person would have exercised under the same circumstances. When a person’s negligence results in the death of another, as it did in this case, the victim’s family may have grounds to pursue a wrongful death claim.
In the case of Jessica Avila Munoz, her family may have a strong basis for a wrongful death lawsuit against Nguyen, given the evidence of his impaired driving and prior DUI convictions. If successful, this lawsuit could provide the family with some measure of justice and financial support as they navigate the profound loss of a loved one.
My deepest sympathies are with the family and friends of Jessica Avila Munoz during this tragic time.
Source: CBS News