Mikey DellaVella Injured in Suspected DUI Crash on West Valencia Drive [Fullerton, CA]

Fullerton, CA (June 11, 2025) — Prosecutors have charged a 28-year-old man in connection with a suspected DUI crash on West Valencia Drive, that left Mikey DellaVella, a dance instructor with life-threatening injuries.

Authorities allege that Hector Ramon Delacruzjusto was driving under the influence of alcohol when a three-vehicle collision happened around 11:30 p.m. Sunday at the intersection of West Valencia Drive and South Brookhurst Road.

Reports say that Delacruzjusto faces felony charges of driving under the influence causing injury and driving with a blood-alcohol level above the legal limit causing injury, along with an infraction for allegedly running a red light. Prosecutors also added sentencing enhancements related to great bodily injury.

Investigators said a Nissan traveling east on West Valencia Drive collided with a Mazda SUV heading south on South Brookhurst Road. The impact pushed the Mazda into a Tesla traveling north on Brookhurst Road.

DellaVella, suffered severe injuries and was rushed to a hospital. Reports indicate he sustained multiple skull and facial fractures, a traumatic brain injury, and brain bleeding. He remains hospitalized in critical condition.

Delacruzjusto pleaded not guilty during his arraignment and is scheduled to return to court for a pretrial hearing on June 17.

The California Office of Traffic Safety’s “Go Safely” campaign reminds everyone that driving under the influence (DUI) doesn’t just refer to alcohol. A DUI can involve any substance—including marijuana, prescription medication, over-the-counter drugs, or illegal substances—that affects your ability to drive safely. Even when taken legally, some medications can slow your reflexes, impair judgment, or make you drowsy behind the wheel.

Every driver has a role to play in preventing tragedies. Despite public awareness efforts, reckless and impaired driving continues to claim lives. In California alone, someone loses their life in a traffic crash every few hours—a heartbreaking reminder of how critical road safety truly is.

Remember, sharing the road means sharing responsibility. Stay alert, respect other drivers, and watch out for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists. A moment of care can save a life—perhaps even your own.

Driving under the influence can have devastating consequences for victims and their families. Motorists should always plan for a sober ride home and remain attentive to traffic signals and roadway conditions to help prevent serious crashes.

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Personal Injury Claims After a Traffic Collision: What You Need to Know

When involved in a traffic collision, filing a personal injury claim is necessary to recover damages. This legal process allows the victims to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other expenses caused by the traffic collision. However, the process is often complex, and understanding how it works is crucial for anyone pursuing a claim.

The first step in a personal injury claim is to determine liability. In most cases, the driver responsible for the traffic accident, which could be due to negligence, distracted driving, speeding, or other factors, will be held accountable. Establishing fault is key to securing compensation. Gathering pieces of evidence such as police reports, traffic camera footage, witness statements, and medical records can strongly prove who was at fault.

Once liability is established, the injured party can then seek compensation for various types of damages. Medical expenses, which include hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, prescription medications, and any long-term care needs, will be a significant part of the claim.

Additionally, if the traffic collision resulted in lost wages or has impacted the victim’s ability to work, these financial losses can also be added to the claim.

Pain and suffering, which is a more subjective form of compensation, is one of the most debated aspects of a personal injury claim. Courts and insurance companies assess this based on how severely the victim was injured and the accident’s impact on the victim’s life, including physical and emotional distress.

Do not forget about the statute of limitations, which dictates the time frame within which a claim must be filed. Failing to file within this period may result in losing the right to pursue compensation.

Let Our Expert Attorneys Guide You

A personal injury claim can help you recover damages if you’re injured in a traffic collision. Seek legal counsel from Sweet Lawyers to ensure your rights are protected and that you have the best chance of receiving fair compensation.

See what our clients say or, better yet, call us today at (800) 674-7852.