A 60-year-old woman died after she was struck by a suspected drunk driver in a Mission Viejo neighborhood on the night of August 8, 2026. According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, deputies responded to the area near Pacific Crest and Glenwood drives at approximately 9:19 p.m. after receiving reports of a pedestrian collision. When emergency responders arrived, they found Duo Ying Liang, 60, of Mission Viejo, suffering from severe injuries. Paramedics transported Liang to a nearby hospital, where she died the following day despite lifesaving efforts. Investigators identified the driver as 18-year-old Caleb Thomas Baeza of Mission Viejo. Authorities arrested Baeza on suspicion of driving under the influence at the scene, and he was later booked into the Orange County Jail.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Department’s Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) is leading the investigation into the fatal collision. Detectives continue gathering evidence to determine the circumstances that led to the crash. Officials have not yet released additional details regarding what occurred before the collision or whether any other factors contributed to the incident. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue working to determine exactly how the fatal pedestrian crash occurred.
At the Medler Law Firm, we are dedicated to helping victims of pedestrian accidents recover the compensation they deserve after being injured by negligent, reckless, or intoxicated drivers. We immediately investigate every pedestrian accident by obtaining police reports, preserving physical evidence, securing surveillance footage, interviewing witnesses, and working with accident reconstruction experts when necessary. In DUI-related pedestrian accidents, we aggressively gather evidence such as blood alcohol test results, body camera footage, dash camera video, field sobriety test evidence, and criminal investigation records to build the strongest possible civil case. Our attorneys identify every individual or company that may be legally responsible and pursue every available source of compensation on behalf of our clients.
We fight to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, future medical care, pain and suffering, and every other damage resulting from pedestrian accidents. When a drunk driver causes serious injury or death, we also evaluate whether the facts support a claim for punitive damages designed to punish especially reckless conduct. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are fully prepared to take the case to trial and fight for the maximum compensation our clients deserve. At the Medler Law Firm, we proudly stand beside victims of pedestrian accidents and their families every step of the way while aggressively protecting their rights under California law.
For free consultations, call us at 949-577-8177
