San Diego Woman Arrested in Connection With Fatal Westminster Crash

A San Diego woman has been arrested for her role in a Westminster car accident that left a 23-year-old woman dead.

According to KABC-TV, 29-year-old Jorene Nicolas was arrested Thursday and charged with felony vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence in the death of Deanna Mauer last April. Nicolas remained in a Santa Ana jail Thursday night on $100,000 bail. She is expected to face arraignment on Monday in an Orange County courtroom.

Prosecutors believe that Nicolas was texting when her Toyota Prius slammed into the back of Mauer's Hyundai sedan. Mauer's vehicle was pushed into the car in front of her and slammed into a center divider before coming to a stop in the northbound lanes of the 405 near Westminster. The victim, who was an assistant high school softball coach and former college athlete, died several hours later of her injuries. Nicolas suffered only minor lacerations.

Police believe that Nicolas was traveling approximately 80 mph but failed to notice that traffic in front of her had come to a stop. Investigators have not been able to definitively prove that Nicolas was texting at the time of the accident but prosecutors believe the scenario is likely given the fact that she never attempted to brake prior to colliding with Mauer's vehicle.

The victim's parents have also expressed their belief that Nicolas was texting at the time of the accident. The couple has begun speaking out against the dangers of distracted driving, calling their daughter's death senseless. If convicted of the felony charge, Nicolas faces up to six years in prison for her role in the accident. It is also possible that in addition to criminal penalties, she could face civil penalties should the victim's family choose to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit.

Nadrich & Cohen, LLP represents car accident victims and their families in the San Diego area and throughout California. For more information on filing an injury claim, call 1-800-718-4658.