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Huntington Beach, California – Prosecutors have upgraded charges against a 43-year-old woman accused of causing a fatal crash that killed a bicyclist and injured two others in Huntington Beach, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office announced Tuesday.
Amber Kristine Calderon now faces multiple felony charges, including vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated without gross negligence, following new toxicology results. The Oct. 20 crash claimed the life of 45-year-old Eric John Williams of Garden Grove and left two other bicyclists seriously injured.
Calderon was originally charged on Oct. 22 with felony hit-and-run counts, including hit-and-run with permanent and serious injury. She pleaded not guilty to those charges on Nov. 13. After toxicology reports revealed fentanyl, methamphetamine, and marijuana in her system at the time of the collision, prosecutors filed additional charges.
The updated felony counts include vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated without gross negligence, driving under the influence of drugs causing bodily injury, possession of hard drugs with two or more prior convictions, hit-and-run causing permanent injury or death, and two counts of hit-and-run with injury.
According to prosecutors, Calderon was driving a 2006 Mercedes-Benz E-Class southbound on Pacific Coast Highway near Newland Street when she drove onto the shoulder and struck three bicyclists who were riding in a designated bike lane. Williams was killed at the scene. The two surviving cyclists suffered severe injuries, including spinal fractures, broken ribs, and a broken ankle.
Authorities allege Calderon continued driving for approximately half a mile after the collision, despite having a flat tire. She eventually stopped in a beach parking lot near Magnolia Street, where prosecutors say she drove through a parking kiosk as an attendant attempted to stop her. A witness to the crash reportedly blocked her vehicle to prevent her from leaving.
Williams was a well-known figure in his community. According to a GoFundMe post shared by his family, he was a founder of Community Church of West Garden Grove and served as a youth teaching pastor at Seaside Community Church. He had recently celebrated his 20th wedding anniversary and is survived by his wife, three daughters, and a son.
Court records show Calderon has a prior criminal history that includes misdemeanor petty theft in 2009, felony sale or transportation of a controlled substance in 2011, and misdemeanor burglary in 2012.
Calderon appeared in court Monday. It was not immediately clear when she is scheduled to be arraigned on the upgraded charges.
Can Families Recover Compensation When a Cyclist Dies in a DUI Manslaughter Crash?
When a cyclist is killed by a driver facing DUI manslaughter charges, the victim’s family may have the right to pursue civil compensation, separate from the criminal case. While criminal charges focus on punishing the driver, a civil claim is designed to hold them financially accountable for the harm they caused.
Civil Claims Are Separate From Criminal DUI Charges
Even if prosecutors file DUI manslaughter charges, families do not need to wait for the criminal case to end to take legal action. A civil lawsuit can be filed with the help of an experienced DUI accident lawyer to seek damages related to the cyclist’s death. Importantly, the burden of proof in civil court is lower than in criminal court, meaning compensation may still be available even if the driver is not convicted.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?
Under California law, certain surviving family members may file a wrongful death lawsuit. This typically includes the spouse or domestic partner, children, and in some cases parents or other dependents. A qualified wrongful death attorney California can evaluate who is eligible and ensure the claim is filed within the statute of limitations.
What Compensation May Be Available?
Families may be entitled to recover damages such as:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of financial support the cyclist would have provided
- Loss of companionship, care, and guidance
- Medical costs incurred before death
Depending on the facts, additional claims may also be available through a survival action handled by a personal injury lawyer California.
Proving Liability in a Fatal Bicycle DUI Crash
In DUI-related bicycle fatalities, liability is often supported by toxicology reports, police investigations, and witness statements. An experienced legal team, including bicycle accident attorneys, can work with accident reconstruction experts to show how the impaired driving directly caused the cyclist’s death.
If the crash occurred in Orange County, a local car accident attorney Orange County CA can also help navigate local courts, insurance carriers, and law enforcement agencies.
Why Legal Representation Matters
Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts, even in cases involving DUI manslaughter. Having the right attorney ensures all available sources of compensation are identified, including auto insurance policies and potential third-party liability.
Speak With Megeredchian Law
If your family lost a loved one in a fatal bicycle accident caused by a drunk or drug-impaired driver, you don’t have to navigate the legal process alone. Megeredchian Law has experience handling complex DUI, bicycle accident, and wrongful death claims throughout California.Call Megeredchian Law at (866) 359-0807 to schedule a free, confidential consultation and learn what compensation your family may be entitled to pursue.
