DUI crash in National City claims lives of Ignacio and Monica Pedroza

clock Created with Sketch Beta. April 02, 2026
DUI crash in National City claims lives of Ignacio and Monica Pedroza

NATIONAL CITY, CA, (March 29, 2026) – A Chula Vista couple, Ignacio Pedroza, 60, and Monica Pedroza, 53, were killed early Sunday in a suspected DUI crash in National City.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the collision occurred shortly before 1 a.m. as a Jeep Liberty and a Volkswagen EOS traveled from State Route 54 to southbound Interstate 5.

Authorities said the Volkswagen rear-ended the Jeep, forcing it off the roadway and into the Sweetwater River, where it became submerged. Emergency crews were able to remove Monica from the vehicle, but she was pronounced dead a short time later. Ignacio also died as a result of the crash.

The driver of the Volkswagen, who reportedly has multiple prior DUI arrests, faces one count of murder and two DUI charges. The investigation remains ongoing.


CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED

Even when a driver believes they are not impaired, alcohol or drugs can significantly affect coordination and reaction time. Impaired driving greatly increases the likelihood of a serious or fatal crash.

Over a 10-year period from 2012 to 2021, approximately 10,850 people died annually in drunk-driving crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

An independent investigation will be necessary to identify additional contributing factors, including the results of blood-alcohol testing of the driver.

“Drunken and drug-impaired drivers can face serious criminal charges when their actions result in injury or death,” said Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal. “Beyond criminal proceedings, families may also be entitled to compensation through civil litigation.”

“Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help guide victims’ families through this difficult time, ensuring their rights are protected while holding impaired drivers accountable for their actions,” added Bond, an experienced DUI accident attorney.


WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM

Pending the investigation results, the family members of Ignacio Pedroza and Monica Pedroza may be entitled to a wrongful death claim for medical and funeral expenses, the loss of love and companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma.

“A wrongful death occurs when a negligent or reckless act results in the loss of life,” said Candice Bond, Managing Partner of Bond Legal.

“When fatal crashes are caused by unsafe driving behaviors such as impairment, speeding, or distraction, families often have the right to pursue a civil claim against the responsible party.”


(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)


If your loved one has been killed by a drunken driver and would like a no-cost consultation, please contact our national legal analyst Candice Bond today

(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Accident Injury News 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 866-986-7738 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).

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