Bakersfield, CA — In the early hours of Wednesday, January 1, 2025, one man was killed and three others severely injured by a collision in southwest Bakersfield, according to KBAK.
The Bakersfield Police Department reports that the incident, which occurred around 1:10 AM on Ming Avenue near Westholme Boulevard, is suspected to involve driver intoxication.
Officers arrived at the scene to find a white Hyundai sedan off the road, having collided with a traffic signal pole. The vehicle was traveling westbound on Ming Avenue when it veered off the road, striking the pole.
A man in the vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other three occupants — one man and two women — were rushed to the hospital, where they are listed in critical condition.
While the exact cause of the crash remains under investigation, police believe alcohol to have played a role.
California DUI Law
Section 23153(a) of the California Vehicle Code (CVC) states that it is illegal for any driver to “Operate a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs and, as a result, cause bodily injury to someone else.”
Passenger Liability
Driver liability insurance covers both those outside the vehicle and passengers inside. While it can be emotionally difficult to file a Personal Injury claim against someone close to the victim, the financial challenges after an accident can be overwhelming.
A skilled personal injury attorney can help families pursue proper compensation for their loss by handling these legal complexities and negotiating with insurance companies, who always try to reduce payouts on claims they cannot deny.
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, feel free to contact Maison Law for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
