A pedestrian was killed, and a driver was injured following a multi-vehicle DUI collision in central Bakersfield on Thursday night, July 4, 2024.
According to the Bakersfield Police Department, the crash happened around 8:39 p.m. on Oak Street and 24th Street.
Authorities stated that a driver, whose name, age, and gender were not revealed, was traveling northbound on Oak Street when he failed to turn eastbound onto 24th Street. The vehicle then struck a pedestrian in the center divider and collided with four other cars before it came to rest.
The pedestrian, described only as a man, was pronounced dead at the scene. Meanwhile, one of the drivers of the four cars sustained minor injuries and was transported to the hospital. No other injuries were reported as of this writing.
Police said that the driver of the vehicle that hit the pedestrian was arrested and booked into the Kern County Jail on suspicion of driving under the influence. It is unknown if there were any additional factors leading up to the crash.
No further information was released.
Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to call the Bakersfield Police Department at (661) 327-7111.
Don’t Know What To Do After An Accident?
Your safety and rights depend on what you do next after an accident. Remember the following steps if you find yourself in one:
- Check yourself for any injuries.
- Stay on the scene, call 9-1-1, and wait for emergency responders.
- Move your vehicle to the road shoulder if safe; turn on hazard lights.
- Fully cooperate with law enforcement and stay until cleared to leave.
- Document the scene and injuries with photos and videos.
- Seek immediate medical attention.
- Contact your insurance company and find a personal injury lawyer for legal advice.
What A Lawyer Can Do For You
Many victims put off calling a lawyer even if they sustain injuries after an accident. However, lawyers can help you in many ways. They can provide you with police reports, CCTV footage, and witness statements to strengthen your case. Your attorney will also negotiate with insurance companies to get you fair compensation. The best part is that they will do all of these things for you at no upfront cost. So if you’re injured in an accident, hire a personal injury attorney to recover medical bills, car repair costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.