SUV driver arrested after deadly crash Tuesday evening at Trabuco Road and Via Victoria
MISSION VIEJO, CA, (June 24, 2025) - A 32-year-old motorcyclist, Anthony Balsamo, was tragically killed Tuesday night in Mission Viejo after a suspected DUI crash at Trabuco Road and Via Victoria.
Anthony Balsamo tragically lost his life Tuesday night after an alleged impaired driver struck his motorcycle at the intersection of Trabuco Road and Via Victoria in Mission Viejo.
According to the Orange County Sheriff's Department, a Ford Explorer driven by a 62-year-old woman struck Balsamo’s motorcycle around 8:22 p.m., ejecting him from the bike. He died at the scene from his injuries.
The driver was arrested for gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and booked into Orange County Jail. The crash remains under investigation.
DUI ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION
Despite efforts nationwide to curb impaired driving, DUI-related crashes continue to endanger lives. In 2022 alone, alcohol-related crashes claimed 1,479 lives in California, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). That same year, more than 6,000 motorcyclists were killed across the U.S., accounting for 15% of all traffic fatalities.
In light of these statistics, Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal and an experienced DUI accident attorney, emphasized the importance of a thorough, independent investigation in such cases.
“Separate from criminal charges, a victim may be entitled to compensation through a civil lawsuit against the responsible party,” said Bond. “In addition to law enforcement’s efforts, an attorney can re-interview key witnesses, analyze surveillance footage, and obtain records such as phone and texting activity to help uncover critical facts. Our role is to protect victims’ rights and ensure that impaired drivers are held fully accountable for the devastation they cause.”
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the investigation, the family of Anthony Balsamo may have grounds to pursue a wrongful death claim. Surviving family members of victims in such tragic accidents may seek compensation for loss of love and companionship, funeral expenses, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal.
“We understand exactly what families are forced to endure, and ensuring their rights are protected is vital. A wrongful death attorney can remain closely involved with the investigation and help secure the justice and financial support the family deserves.”
If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one due to a drunk driver, national legal analyst Candice Bond offers free consultations to guide you.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).
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