On the evening of Monday, August 11, 2025, a devastating crash in Chula Vista claimed the lives of two longtime community members, 75-year-old Michael Baril and 76-year-old Juanito Muyco, and sent their two wives to the hospital. The collision occurred around 8:00 pm at the intersection of Apache Drive and Telegraph Canyon Road.
According to investigators, Baril was driving a white Subaru Forester eastbound on Telegraph Canyon Road when he attempted to make a left turn onto Apache Drive. A red Ford Mustang traveling westbound struck the passenger side of the Subaru, causing it to roll over and trap all four occupants inside.
Baril was pronounced dead at the scene, while Muyco, who was sitting in the front passenger seat, was transported to the hospital, where he later died. The wives of both men, two women in their 60s, were riding in the backseat and were both hospitalized with serious injuries. The Mustang driver, a 41-year-old man, remained at the scene, cooperated with police, and was treated for minor injuries.
If you or a loved one has been affected by a serious collision, the attorneys at Singleton Schreiber are here to help you understand your rights and pursue justice. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
Common Factors That Contribute to Intersection Accidents
This devastating collision occurred at an intersection with no traffic light or stop sign, a factor that residents say has made them feel unsafe when turning there. One neighbor told a local news station that they feel afraid every time they attempt to turn left at that intersection. This underscores the risks drivers face when traffic control measures are limited.
Dangerous intersections often share certain characteristics:
- Lack of traffic signals or signage that leaves drivers guessing who has the right of way
- Limited visibility caused by curves, landscaping, or parked vehicles
- High traffic volumes or speeding vehicles that increase the chance of severe collisions
In this particular accident, investigators have not yet determined fault, although liability could be attributed to one or both of the drivers, the city or local government, or split between all three. A full investigation of the accident is needed to accurately determine fault.
Legal Options Available to Surviving Victims and Families
For the surviving wives of Michael Baril and Juanito Muyco, the law provides possible avenues for recovery through both wrongful death and personal injury claims, depending on which party/parties investigators determine to be at fault.
Wrongful death claims for the losses of Baril and Muyco may provide compensation for:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical bills related to the crash
- Lost income and financial support
- Loss of companionship
Personal injury claims for the surviving wives may allow them to recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering from physical and emotional trauma
- Lost wages during recovery
- Reduced quality of life or long-term disability
Determining liability is an important step in this process. While police have not yet established fault, several parties could potentially be held responsible:
- The drivers involved, if investigators find negligence such as failing to yield or speeding, causing or contributing to the cause of the car accident
- Both drivers, if each contributed to the crash under California’s comparative negligence laws
- The city or local government, if the intersection’s lack of signals, poor design, or visibility issues created a dangerous condition that contributed to the accident. Cities have a duty to maintain reasonably safe roads, and they can be held accountable if they knew, or should have known, about a hazardous intersection and failed to act.
“The families of Mr. Baril and Mr. Muyco are enduring unimaginable pain, and our deepest sympathies are with them,” says Gerald Singleton, managing partner of Singleton Schreiber. “While nothing can undo the tragedy, pursuing claims can help to ease the financial strain these families are now facing and provide a measure of security as they begin the healing process.”
If your family has suffered the devastating effects of a fatal crash, Singleton Schreiber is here to fight for justice on your behalf. Contact us today to discuss your case with our compassionate and experienced team.
