Shaver Lake, CA – On the evening of Thursday, September 10, 2026, a suspected DUI single-vehicle collision resulted in the death of Arianna Perez, 19, and left an 18-year-old passenger injured, and led to the arrest of Ricardo Arceotapia, 32, according to KSEE/KGPE.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident took place around 7:30 PM on Highway 168 at Littlefield Road, in the Shaver Lake area.
Authorities said Arceotapia was driving a 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe with Perez seated in the back seat without a seatbelt and an 18-year-old Fresno man in the front passenger seat. Investigators determined Arceotapia was driving under the influence when the Tahoe left the roadway, traveled down an embankment, and overturned multiple times.
Perez was ejected during the crash and sustained fatal injuries. The 18-year-old passenger was transported to the hospital with major injuries. Arceotapia was arrested on suspicion of felony DUI causing injury and death.
Perez’s family described her in a GoFundMe set up to help cover funeral costs as “the most alive person” they knew.
Fresno County DUI Accidents and Wrongful Death and Personal Injury Claims
California law prohibits driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and a driver who causes a fatal crash while impaired may be considered to have committed negligence per se, increasing his share of liability for the resulting death and injuries regardless of the outcome of any criminal proceedings.
Because the crash occurred on a mountainous roadway where a hillside rollover carries an elevated risk of severe injury, any evidence regarding the vehicle’s speed and the roadway’s condition at the time could be especially significant in establishing the full circumstances of the crash. Perez’s family may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim, which can provide compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of consortium. The surviving passenger may have the right to pursue a separate personal injury claim, which can provide compensation for his own medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering related to the accident.
Passenger Liability and Wrongful Death Claims
A driver’s liability coverage extends to those inside their vehicle as well as outside. In many cases, those passengers are someone who knows the driver personally. So, when a passenger is injured and their driver is found liable, they may feel reluctant to file a claim against the driver’s insurance.
In many cases, however, a wrongful death claim may be required for an insurer to offer a fair settlement. A personal injury attorney can facilitate this process and, as a neutral third party, help navigate any emotional complexities that may arise.
Fresno County Wrongful Death Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, on Highway 168 at Littlefield Road, contact a California wrongful death lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
