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1300+A woman was arrested for felony DUI after a Sunday night crash on East Belle Terrace in southeast Bakersfield that left a child with a broken leg, according to the Bakersfield Police Department (BPD).
What Happened on East Belle Terrace
The collision happened just before 8 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 18, near Dawn Street. Police say a Jeep and a Hyundai sedan were both traveling westbound on East Belle Terrace.
Investigators say the Hyundai tried to pass other vehicles by moving into the eastbound lane. The sedan then struck the Jeep.
Who Was Injured
The Hyundai was carrying a female driver, two of her children, and a male passenger. One child suffered a broken leg. The other two people in the sedan were not hurt.
The occupants of the Jeep had minor injuries.
What Police Are Saying About Speed
BPD said speed appeared to be a factor in the crash. The woman driving the Hyundai was arrested for DUI. An arrest is not a conviction, and more details may come out as the investigation continues.
Why Impaired and Aggressive Driving Is So Dangerous
Passing into the opposing lane leaves very little room for error. A driver who does this can collide with other traffic before anyone has time to react.
Alcohol makes the risk worse. It slows reaction time and weakens judgment. In California, it is illegal for drivers 21 and older to operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher. Speed adds even more force to every impact.
If a Drunk Driver Hurt You or Your Child in Bakersfield
A driver who causes a crash while impaired can be held civilly responsible, separate from any criminal case. Injured victims may seek compensation for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. Depending on the facts, California law may also allow additional damages in some drunk driving cases.
Time matters. Injured people in California generally have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. Claims involving injured children can follow special rules, including court approval of settlements.
Steps to Take After a Suspected DUI Crash
- Get medical care right away, even if injuries seem minor.
- Report the crash and cooperate with police.
- Take photos of the vehicles, the road, and any visible injuries.
- Collect names and contact details for witnesses.
- Avoid giving a recorded statement to an insurance company before getting legal advice.
Speak With a Bakersfield Car Accident Lawyer
A crash involving an impaired driver can leave families facing medical bills, missed work, and a lot of uncertainty. You do not have to sort it out alone.
The team at Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer helps injured people across Bakersfield and Kern County pursue the compensation they deserve. Contact us to learn more about our Bakersfield personal injury lawyers.
You can also read our coverage of a recent suspected DUI crash south of Arvin and a suspected DUI crash in Tulare County.
Call (661) 490-9440 or visit our Bakersfield office at 1527 19th St, Suite 312 to schedule a free consultation.
About the Author
JEFFREY FAYNGOR, ESQ.
Jeffrey Fayngor is the founder of Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer and an experienced personal injury attorney dedicated to representing accident victims. He earned his J.D. from Whittier College School of Law and has recovered over $120 million for injured clients. He has built his practice around helping injury victims protect their rights and pursue the compensation they deserve.