[09-22-2023] Kern County, CA – Two Juveniles Hospitalized Following DUI Crash in Bakersfield

Two children were heavily injured and hospitalized after a vehicle collided with their house in Bakersfield on Friday evening, September 22, 2023.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the collision occurred around 7:35 p.m. on Phairfield Street.

A driver named Raymond L. was traveling on a 2012 Dodge Charger along Powder River Avenue at an unknown speed when his vehicle failed to safely turn into Phairfieled Street, ultimately colliding with the victim’s residence.

The crash resulted in two young children, aged five and seven, being pinned under the vehicle. The children sustained severe injuries and were transported to Kern Medical for immediate medical attention.

CHP officers made an arrest after determining that Leonard was operating the vehicle under the influence of alcohol. Further investigation is underway to determine the cause of the collision.

Dedicated DUI Accident Lawyers in Bakersfield, CA

A negligent driver may be liable for your or a family member’s death or serious injury. In the event of an unintentional injury to another person caused by a car accident, being assisted by a personal injury attorney can be invaluable.

You can schedule a free consultation with our legal team to discuss the details of your case, determine what will happen next, discuss your settlement, and clarify the insurance claims procedure so that you can move forward securely and be prepared to deal with the legal process.

Seek legal advice from our leading team of Bakersfield DUI accident lawyers at Arash Law, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., who have the experience and recognition you need to represent your interests during this difficult time. Our experienced lawyers have recovered over $500 million in compensation for clients throughout California.

Contact us or complete the “Do I Have a Case?” form on our website to schedule a free consultation with one of our lawyers.

Ways to Protect Yourself After Being a Victim of a DUI

Car accidents cannot be predicted, but they can be prepared for. A DUI accident checklist in your glove box can help you stay calm and organized after a collision. Using it will allow you to avoid mistakes and protect your rights.

When in doubt, give us a call. Keep our phone number, (888) 488-1391, in your phone or written down if the worst occurs. You aren’t alone after a serious collision.

Whether you are the injured victim or the family of a killed loved one, here’s what to do after a DUI accident:

• Don’t Settle or Accept Blame. It is common for insurance companies to try to shift some responsibility onto the injured victim after a DUI accident. As a result, their penalty is reduced. In the event of a DUI accident, never admit fault. Drivers under the influence of alcohol should be held accountable for their actions. It is not recommended to discuss faults directly with insurance adjusters.
• Avoid Making a Statement. Providing an insurance company with a recorded statement after an accident is unnecessary. An insurance adjuster may contact you several times, asking for your statement. This is because they attempt to gather information against you during the claims process. Your lawyer can assist you if you need help communicating with the insurance company.
• Avoid Opening Compensation Conversations. DUI insurance companies often struggle to escape responsibility. When there is an obvious fault, insurers often limit settlements. In most cases, DUI victims are reimbursed through a quick, lowball settlement. When settling a claim, ensure you receive everything you are entitled to. When a DUI accident occurs, guarantee your attorney is responsible for the compensation process.
• Don’t Sign Any Documents. When dealing with an insurance company, you should consult a lawyer. Insurance companies commonly request medical records release forms. Be skeptical if they claim a particular document is part of a standard procedure for certain transactions. They want you to provide information so that your compensation can be reduced. Records may not need to be fully accessible to them to do their jobs effectively. With the help of a lawyer, you can ensure that your rights will be protected during the process.
• Consult a DUI Accident Lawyer. There are a lot of risks associated with DUI accident injury claims. Your insurer will spend considerable resources to reduce your settlement. A California DUI accident lawyer can best protect your rights and interests by dealing with the insurance company exclusively.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

DUI Accident Statistics

It was estimated by the United States Department of Transportation that nearly 37 people die each day as a result of drunk driving. Every 39 minutes, one person dies. There were 13,384 alcohol-impaired driving deaths in 2021, an increase of 14% over 2020. It would have been possible to prevent all of these deaths.

NHTSA stated that California recorded 1,370 alcohol-impaired-driving deaths in 2021, 32% of the 4,285 traffic-related deaths (roughly the same as the nationwide percentage of 31%). It is a 16% increase from 2020’s 1,180 recorded fatalities (30% of the 3,980 traffic-related deaths).

In 2020, the California Office of Traffic Safety ranked Kern County 7th for DUI-related deaths and injuries, with 785 deaths and injuries out of 90,234 total population.