Bakersfield DUI Crash: Legal Options for Victims

Bakersfield DUI Hit-and-Run Crash Injures Homeowner on Gage Street: Legal Options for VictimsOverview of the IncidentIn the early hours of Saturday, October 4, 2025, a vehicle crashed into a residence near the 1900 block of Gage Street in Bakersfield, injuring a woman inside the home. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the collision occurred around 1:46 AM when the driver of a 2024 Honda Accord allegedly lost control and struck the house.The homeowner, identified in public reports as Alexandria Gordon, suffered minor to moderate injuries from the impact. She was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. No other injuries were reported at the scene. Authorities indicated that the driver fled on foot after the crash. With assistance from witnesses, officers located and arrested the suspect a short time later.CHP has identified the driver as 22-year-old Bakersfield resident Thomas David Gonzalez Jr. He was arrested on suspicion of felony DUI causing injury and felony hit-and-run. All charges remain allegations at this time, and investigations are ongoing.Property Damage and Secondary LossesIn addition to bodily injuries, the property sustained significant structural damage. Reports also noted that a subsequent water leak worsened the destruction while the homeowner attempted to recover belongings, compounding repair costs and displacement hardship. When a vehicle crash compromises plumbing, electrical systems, or structural supports, homeowners often face layered losses beyond the initial impact, including water intrusion, mold risk, and long-term habitability concerns.California DUI and Hit-and-Run LawsCalifornia law is strict when it comes to impaired driving and leaving the scene of a collision.- DUI causing injury: Under California Vehicle Code Section 23153, it is unlawful to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs and cause bodily injury to another person. Depending on the circumstances and injuries, this offense can be charged as a felony.- Hit-and-run: California Vehicle Code Sections 20001 and 20002 require drivers involved in collisions to stop, render aid if needed, notify law enforcement, and exchange information. Fleeing the scene is a misdemeanor when only property damage occurs and a felony when a person is injured.Criminal proceedings focus on punishment and public safety. Separately, victims retain the right to pursue civil claims for compensation to address medical bills, lost earnings, property losses, and pain and suffering.Evidence and Accident ReconstructionIn crashes involving DUI or hit-and-run, quick and thorough evidence collection can be critical. Important sources of proof may include:- Scene documentation: Photos and video of vehicle positions, skid marks, debris fields, and damage patterns.- Vehicle data: Many late-model vehicles store speed, braking, and throttle inputs in event data recorders (EDRs), sometimes called “black boxes.”- Surveillance footage and doorbell cameras: Nearby cameras often capture impact sequences or the driver’s actions before and after the crash.- Eyewitness statements: Neighbors or passersby can corroborate the sequence of events, including a driver fleeing.- Law enforcement reports and toxicology: Police observations, field sobriety tests, and blood alcohol or drug screenings.- Expert analysis: Crash reconstructionists and human factors experts can help explain how and why the collision occurred.A prompt, independent civil investigation can help preserve this evidence, especially in cases where initial reports may be incomplete or contested.Insurance and Financial Recovery OptionsA crash that injures an occupant and damages a residence involves multiple potential insurance avenues:- At-fault driver’s auto liability insurance: The primary source of recovery for personal injury, property damage to the home, and other losses.- Homeowners or renters insurance: May cover structural repairs, personal property losses, additional living expenses if the home is uninhabitable, and water damage stemming from the crash. Insurers may later seek reimbursement from the at-fault driver through subrogation.- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM): If the at-fault driver’s coverage is inadequate, a victim’s own auto policy with UM/UIM may help cover bodily injury. In some cases, UM/UIM property damage coverage may also apply, depending on the policy.- MedPay coverage: Optional medical payments coverage may help with immediate medical bills, regardless of fault.- Restitution in criminal court: If a criminal case proceeds and there is a conviction, the court may order restitution to cover certain victim losses. This does not replace a civil claim, which can address the full scope of damages.Damages in a civil claim can include medical expenses, future care needs, lost wages and diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of use of property, and repair or replacement costs. In DUI cases with egregious facts, punitive damages may be available to punish and deter reckless conduct.What Victims Should Do After a Crash Into a Residence- Seek medical attention: Even if injuries seem minor, get evaluated. Symptoms can emerge or worsen over time.- Document everything: Photograph injuries, the damage to your home and belongings, and any ongoing issues such as water leaks.- Preserve evidence: Retain damaged items, keep repair estimates, and save surveillance footage if available.- Obtain official records: Request the police report and any incident numbers from responding agencies.- Track expenses and impacts: Keep receipts for medical care, temporary housing, and repairs, and maintain a journal of pain, limitations, or displacement.- Avoid early low settlements: Insurers may attempt to resolve claims quickly and cheaply. Consider speaking with counsel before accepting any offer.-