A 1959 MG coupe rolled north of Stoney Creek Road, CHP said
July 05, 2026 | Somerset, CA
A 72-year-old woman died after the vehicle she was riding in left the roadway and rolled over.
What happened in the crash?
Meredith Hoag, 72, died after a 1959 MG coupe driven by an alleged drunken driver rolled on Fairplay Road north of Stoney Creek Road.
- The incident occurred at approximately 5:20 p.m. on Fairplay Road north of Stoney Creek Road.
- Meredith Hoag was a passenger in a 1959 MG coupe driven by 61-year-old David Dellaquia.
- Authorities state the driver lost control on a curve, causing the vehicle to roll.
- Hoag was pronounced deceased at the scene.
- Dellaquia faces charges of vehicular manslaughter and felony DUI.
Why do impaired driving accidents continue to occur?
Alcohol-impaired driving remains a leading factor in fatal collisions across California. Data from the state’s Office of Traffic Safety shows 1,355 people died in alcohol-involved crashes in 2023, representing a 55 percent increase since 2014.
| Source | Statistic | Year | Change Since 2014 |
|---|
| California Office of Traffic Safety | 1,355 fatalities in alcohol-involved crashes | 2023 | +55% |
| Federal Highway Administration | Impaired driving listed among top crash causes nationally | Recent | N/A |
Impaired drivers often experience reduced judgment, blurred vision, slower reaction times, and loss of coordination.
Legal Insights
“In cases such as this, a victim’s family may pursue compensation through civil channels in addition to any criminal proceedings,” said Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal. “Attorneys can review witness statements, examine video evidence, and obtain communication records to help establish accountability.”
Key points for families:
- Civil claims may address loss of companionship and emotional distress.
- Legal teams monitor official investigations to protect family interests.
- Focus remains on holding responsible parties accountable for reckless conduct.
“We recognize the challenges families face and work to safeguard their rights throughout the process,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. “Relatives may seek damages for pain, suffering, and the loss of companionship after a serious collision.”
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If you or a family member has been affected by a similar incident, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation. Use the contact information provided on this page.
(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).
Tags: Latest News, Non Commercial, Motor Vehicle Accident, California, Somerset, Fatal DUI Accident, Fairplay Road, Stoney Creek Road