Chevy Driver Armando Ortiz Mendoza and 2 Others Injured in E Boronda Road DUI Crash [Salinas, CA]

Salinas, CA (May 5, 2026) – 26-year-old Armando Ortiz Mendoza and two others were hurt following an E Boronda Road DUI crash Saturday night.

It was before 11 p.m. when an eastbound AMR ambulance with its lights and siren activated was hit head-on by a westbound Chevy Cruze driven by Mendoza.

Officers determined Mendoza crossed over the double yellow lines into oncoming traffic, causing the crash.

Mendoza, along with the two medical personnel inside the ambulance were transported to area hospitals.

Investigators determined Mendoza was driving under the influence at the time of the crash. Officers said he provided a breath sample of 0.20% blood alcohol content, which is more than twice the legal limit.

Troopers later booked Mendoza into jail on felony DUI charges.

Traffic collisions can happen anytime, but their impact lasts a lifetime. Stay alert, avoid distractions, and never drive under the influence. Always wear your seatbelt, obey speed limits, and be mindful of pedestrians and cyclists. Keep a safe distance between vehicles and adjust your speed for road conditions.

Rear-end crashes are often preventable—always keep a safe following distance and stay alert behind the wheel. A few extra seconds of space can save lives.

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Steps to Take When You’ve Been in a Vehicle Collision

If you get into a traffic accident, it can be a frightening situation and many people do not know what to do afterwards, which may have a big impact on your safety as well as your rights.

First, assess yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately. If you can move your vehicle, do so in a safe location, and put on your hazard lights to warn other drivers. Exchange details with the other driver such as names, numbers, insurance company information, and license plate numbers. (And if there are witnesses nearby, try to get their information, too.)

Photograph the scene, damage to the vehicles and any injuries. If the damage appears to be minor, document everything anyway.

Then get medical care — even if you feel fine. Some injuries can have a delayed presentation. Lastly, reach out to a seasoned personal injury lawyer, such as the Sweet Lawyers. They’ll explain your legal rights and navigate the insurance claims process, so you can focus on what’s most important.

Those minutes after a crash are critical. Staying calm, acting swiftly and figuring out what kind of aid is available could help protect your health, your finances and your future.

Get in touch with us today. Call us at (800) 674-7852 or visit our website here.

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