DUI Crash Leaves 22-Year-Old Critically Injured in San Marcos
SAN MARCOS, CA, (August 20, 2025) - A 42-year-old man was arrested Wednesday afternoon in San Marcos after allegedly driving under the influence and causing a serious crash.
Manuel Leon Villanueva, 42, was allegedly driving under the influence when he collided with another vehicle in San Marcos, seriously injuring a 22-year-old man, authorities said.
According to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office, Manuel Leon Villanueva attempted to pass another vehicle around 3:30 p.m. near the intersection of Cox Road and Mulberry Drive. His Nissan minivan sideswiped one car before colliding with an oncoming Lexus sedan.
The 22-year-old driver of the Lexus suffered life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital. Villanueva reportedly sustained only minor injuries.
Authorities booked Villanueva into the Vista County Jail on suspicion of reckless driving and DUI causing great bodily injury. The investigation is ongoing.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
Impaired drivers, with delayed reflexes and poor judgment, are far more likely to cause deadly crashes. These entirely preventable tragedies continue to shatter lives and families across the country. Every 85 seconds, someone is killed or injured in a drunk driving crash, according to the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).
While the cause and liability of the crash are being investigated, Candice Bond, an experienced accident attorney and Managing Partner of Bond Legal, said that it is imperative to have an independent investigation conducted by a seasoned attorney.
“In addition to the diligent work of law enforcement, an attorney can re-interview important witnesses, analyze any surveillance video from the scene of the crash, and obtain phone and texting records of the liable party,” said Bond, a national analyst for The Legal Advocate.
“Time is of the essence in cases such as this, and the victim’s family must ensure that evidence is reviewed efficiently.”
PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM
Pending the results of the investigation, the victim injured in the crash may have the right to pursue a personal injury lawsuit. Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal, noted that the stress and uncertainty following a serious injury can be overwhelming, affecting family, work, finances, and overall quality of life.
“It is essential for victims to hire an attorney when pursuing a personal injury claim, as this allows the lawyer to negotiate with insurance companies on their behalf,” Bond said.
“Insurance companies often pressure victims into quick settlements that are far below the true value of their claim. An experienced attorney will advocate vigorously to ensure victims are treated respectfully and compensated fairly,” Bond added.
If you, a friend, or a family member has been injured by a hit-and-run or drunk driver, contact national legal analyst Candice Bond for a free consultation.
(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).