Injured were transported to Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital
VALENCIA, CA, (August 22, 2025) - Multiple people were hospitalized—some with major injuries—after a crash caused by a suspected drunk driver Friday afternoon in Valencia, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Newhall Area Office.
A 37-year-old Ontario man was arrested after causing a Friday afternoon crash on Highway 126 that injured multiple people, authorities said.
The accident occurred around 5 p.m. on the eastbound lanes of Highway 126, west of the 5 Freeway, and involved a red Cadillac, a silver Toyota, and a white Dodge. Fire Department crews also responded, helping to free one driver trapped in their vehicle. The injured were taken to Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital.
Oscar Fidel Andrade Martinez, 37, of Ontario, was identified as the driver of the Dodge. He was booked into the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Station on charges of felony DUI causing injury.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
Despite widespread campaigns about the dangers of drunk driving, people still choose to drink and drive—putting lives at risk. Every 85 seconds, someone is killed or injured in a drunk driving crash, according to 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 injured victims may have the right to pursue a personal injury lawsuit. Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal, noted that the stress and worry following a serious injury can be overwhelming, affecting all aspects of life, including family, work, finances, and overall well-being.
“It is crucial for victims to hire an attorney when filing a personal injury claim, as this allows legal professionals to negotiate with insurance companies on their behalf,” Bond added.
“Insurance companies often try to pressure victims into accepting a quick settlement far below the true value of the case. A skilled attorney will advocate vigorously to ensure clients are treated with respect and receive fair compensation.”
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).