Soap Opera Actress Arrested in Ventura County DUI Injury Crash

Jensen Buchanan, the 53-year-old actress who stars as Judge Elise Moxley on the CBS soap opera “The Young and the Restless” was arrested on suspicion of felony DUI after officials say she caused a crash critically injuring 56-year-old Bradley Asolas. According to a news report in the Ventura County Star, the major injury collision occurred early morning on May 18, 2016 on Highway 154 near Lake Cachuma.

California Highway Patrol officials say Asolas’ vehicle was westbound on the highway when a vehicle driven by Buchanan drifted over the solid double-yellow line from the eastbound lane directly in the path of his vehicle. Buchanan suffered minor injuries and was transported to an area hospital. Asolas suffered major injuries and was hospitalized. Buchanan has also starred in other popular soap operas such as “As the World Turns,” “General Hospital” and “One Life for Live.” The investigation is ongoing. Our thoughts and prayers are with Bradley Asolas, the man who has been seriously injured in this DUI collision. We wish him the very best for a quick and full recovery.

Ventura County DUI Statistics

According to CHP’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were six fatalities and 87 injuries reported as a result of DUI collisions in the unincorporated areas of Ventura County. Also, countywide, 11 people died and 321 were injured due to alcohol- or drug-related crashes during the same year.

Violation of Laws

Based on this news report, officials say that Buchanan was not only driving under the influence, but also crossed over to opposing lanes of traffic and caused a major injury crash. According to California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a): “It is unlawful for any person who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug, or under the combined influence of any alcoholic beverage and drug, to drive a vehicle.”

Also, California Vehicle Code section 21651 (a) states: “Whenever a highway has been divided into two or more roadways by means of intermittent barriers or by means of a dividing section of not less than two feet in width, either unpaved or delineated by curbs, double-parallel lines, or other markings on the roadway, it is unlawful…to drive any vehicle over, upon, or across the dividing section.”

Liability Issues

In such cases, in addition to facing criminal charges, DUI drivers can also be held financially responsible for the injuries, damages and losses they cause. Injured victims can seek compensation for damages including medical expenses, lost wages, hospitalization, rehabilitation, pain and suffering and emotional distress. Injured victims would also be well advised to contact an experienced Ventura personal injury lawyer who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.