Salinas, California - 18-Year-Old Jacques Clarke Charged with DUI, Vehicular Manslaughter After Rosie Figueroa Killed in Crash

Rosie Figueroa Killed, Mother Injured in Crash with Teenage Suspected Drunk Driver

Last Updated: 7/13/2020

38-year-old Salinas resident Rosie Figueroa was killed and her mother was seriously injured in a suspected drunk driving crash near the intersection of South Davis Road and West Acacia Street last Friday, December 20.

18-year-old Carmel resident Jacques Clarke has been charged with DUI and vehicular manslaughter for allegedly causing the crash. Clarke was arraigned on Monday, December 23 and pleaded not guilty to the charges.

According to the police, officers from the Salinas Police Department and California Highway Patrol responded to a two-vehicle crash at the corner of Davis Road and West Acacia Street at around 11:30 p.m. on Friday night. Officers discovered a 2015 Mazda 6 with major damage and a 2012 Toyota Camry that had overturned.

The California Highway Patrol says that the driver of the Mazda, 18-year-old Jacques Clarke, was driving northbound and speeding on Davis Road when he rear-ended Figueroa’s Toyota. This impact caused the Toyota to spin out of control and crash into a tree before overturning.

Figueroa was pronounced dead at the scene and her mother was hospitalized with serious injuries.

The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control is investigating to determine where Clarke got the alcohol. The person or business that provided it to him could face criminal charges. Additionally, civil penalties may be possible.

Legal Options for Drunk Driving Crash Victims and Their Families in California

Attorney contributor Jason Amala, represents these victims and their families, helping them secure the financial compensation they need and deserve after getting hit by a drunk driver. Here is Bobby with some information on the legal rights of families affected by DUI crashes in California:

“Drunk driving crashes have devastating consequences for those injured and the families of fatal crash victims. It is vital for the victims and their families to have a clear understanding on their civil rights. With drunk driving accidents, the driver can be held liable through a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit in California. Compensation can then be sought out, to help cover medical expenses and other costs associated with the accident,” concluded Mr. Amala.

Sources

https://www.thecalifornian.com/story/news/2019/12/24/teen-driver-pleads-not-guilty-dui-crash-killed-salinas-woman/2744139001/

https://www.ksbw.com/article/18-year-old-from-carmel-behind-the-wheel-in-fatal-dui-pleads-not-guilty/30319151