Visalia, CA (May 22, 2026) – A suspected drunk driving collision on Walnut Avenue injured two children and led to the arrest of their mother Thursday evening. The incident took place at approximately 6:30 p.m. Near the corner of Ben Maddox Way and Walnut Avenue, Margarita Rodriguez was traveling east on Walnut Avenue with her three children (ages 8, 7, and 2) when she lost control of the car. The vehicle veered off the roadway and collided with a tree. As a result, the front of the car was badly crushed in the collision, the airbag went off, and the windshield broke. The 7-year-old was uninjured, while the 2-year-old and 8-year-old were checked for possible injuries. Rodriguez was arrested after the crash. No additional information on the children’s injuries was released at the time of this report. Investigators are continuing to determine the full details of the crash, and further updates are anticipated as the case progresses. We wish both children a quick and full recovery.
What Are the Risks to Child Passengers in a DUI Crash in California? Children who ride in vehicles driven by an impaired driver are at a much greater risk of injury compared to those traveling with sober drivers.
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Note: We provide this information as a public resource to help raise awareness and support those who may be affected by similar incidents. Our intent is to honor the victims of accidents and to provide information that may help others avoid similar tragedies in the future. The photos used in these posts are not representative of the actual accident scene. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, please contact Hillstone Law at (855) 691-1691. Our attorneys are available to answer your legal questions and help you understand your rights.


