Driver suspected of DUI after vehicle hits telephone pole west of Akers Street
December 13, 2025 | Visalia, CA
A tragic incident unfolded on Riggin Avenue in Visalia, where a woman lost her life in a suspected DUI crash involving a light-colored SUV.
The Visalia Police Department responded to the scene west of Akers Street.
Christina Torres, 38, was arrested on suspicion of DUI after her SUV struck a telephone pole on Riggin Avenue west of Akers Street in Visalia.
What Happened in the Crash?
The collision occurred around 9:20 p.m. on Dec. 13. Officers arrived to find the SUV had struck a telephone pole, with the female passenger lying unconscious in the roadway. She was the sole occupant besides the driver and was pronounced dead shortly after, likely ejected from the side window or sunroof. The victim's identity has not been released.
- Location: Riggin Avenue west of Akers Street, Visalia, California
- Time: Approximately 9:20 p.m. on Dec. 13, 2025
- Vehicle Involved: Light-colored SUV
- Driver: Christina Torres, 38, arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence
- Outcome: One female passenger deceased, and no other injuries reported
Why Do DUI Crashes Occur and What Are the Risks?
Impaired driving, whether from alcohol or drugs, severely affects coordination and reaction times, leading to devastating accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), an average of 10,850 people died annually in drunk driving crashes from 2012 to 2021.
Year Range |
Annual Average Fatalities in DUI Crashes |
Source |
|---|
2012-2021 |
10,850 |
NHTSA |
The Visalia Police Department Traffic Unit is leading the investigation, which may include blood-alcohol content tests to determine further factors.
Legal Insights
In cases such as this, national legal analysts provide valuable perspectives on accountability and support for affected families.
“Drunken and drugged drivers face criminal charges after accidents that harm or kill others,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal. “Beyond criminal proceedings, victims' families may seek compensation via civil lawsuits against the at-fault party.”
- Independent investigations help uncover impairment levels and other causes.
- Attorneys can guide families through legal processes with compassion.
- Holding impaired drivers accountable protects public safety.
“A wrongful death occurs when negligence leads to a fatality,” noted Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. “In vehicle crashes from unsafe driving or impairment, families often pursue civil actions against the responsible driver.”
Families of the victim may qualify for claims covering medical costs, funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and emotional distress.
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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).