Perris, CA (January 12, 2025) – On Sunday, January 12, 2025, Jocelyn Mendoza, a 26-year-old resident of Perris, tragically lost her life in a suspected DUI collision at the intersection of Placentia Avenue and the southbound Interstate 215 Freeway in Perris.
Accident Details: Preliminary investigations indicate that Mendoza’s Toyota sedan exited the Placentia Avenue freeway when a westbound Dodge pickup collided with her sedan in the intersection. Deputies from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department responded to the crash at approximately 12:20 a.m. and discovered the collision. Mendoza was found unresponsive with significant injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics within 10 minutes of their arrival.
Investigation: The driver of the Dodge pickup, identified as Ivan Simmons of Perris, allegedly showed signs of impairment and attempted to flee the scene. He was apprehended a short distance away and subsequently arrested. Simmons faces multiple charges, including gross vehicular manslaughter, hit-and-run resulting in death, and DUI causing bodily injury. He is being held on $1 million bail at the Southwest Detention Center in Murrieta.
Legal Considerations: As a personal injury attorney, I find that several aspects of this case warrant further examination. Driving under the influence (DUI) violates the fundamental duty to drive safely, which requires all drivers to act with reasonable care to protect others on the road. A driver disregards this responsibility by choosing to operate a vehicle while impaired. Driving while impaired significantly reduces reaction time, judgment, and coordination. Leaving also violates the legal duty to remain at the scene and assist any victims.
DUI-related accidents often involve a combination of criminal and civil liability, with the latter allowing the victim’s family to seek justice through civil claims. If Simmons’s impairment is confirmed, the family of Jocelyn Mendoza may be able to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit against Simmons to seek compensation for their profound loss. Damages in such cases can include funeral expenses, loss of future financial support, and the emotional toll on her loved ones.
My heart goes out to the family and friends of Jocelyn Mendoza during this hearttime.
Source: Patch