DUI Crash in Bakersfield Hospitalizes Family of Three

Suspected DUI Collision at Hageman Road and Fruitvale Avenue Hospitalizes Bakersfield Family

On Sunday morning, November 2, 2025, a serious collision at the intersection of Hageman Road and Fruitvale Avenue in northwest Bakersfield left a family of three hospitalized, with the father reported in critical condition. According to the Bakersfield Police Department, the crash occurred at approximately 7:03 a.m. and involved a Mazda Miata traveling southbound and a Mitsubishi Outlander that had been stopped at a red light on eastbound Hageman Road. When the signal turned green and the Outlander proceeded into the intersection, it was struck by the Miata. Investigators believe speed and intoxication were contributing factors.

The driver of the Miata sustained minor injuries and was transported for treatment. Inside the Outlander, a woman and a child suffered minor injuries and were taken to a hospital. A male passenger in the Outlander sustained severe injuries and remains in critical condition. Authorities closed the intersection for several hours to conduct a detailed investigation. A community fundraiser has been organized to support the injured family as they face medical and financial challenges in the weeks ahead.

What We Know So Far

- Time and location: Approximately 7:03 a.m. at Hageman Road and Fruitvale Avenue.
- Vehicles involved: A southbound Mazda Miata and an eastbound Mitsubishi Outlander entering on a green signal.
- Injuries: Minor injuries to both drivers and the child; critical injuries to an adult male passenger in the Outlander.
- Suspected factors: Police indicate speed and intoxication are believed to be involved.
- Road closure: The intersection was closed in all directions for several hours for scene documentation and reconstruction.

DUI, Speed, and Liability Under California Law

California law is clear: driving under the influence that causes injury is a crime. Under California Vehicle Code section 23153(a), it is illegal to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs and, as a result, cause bodily injury to another person. When DUI and excessive speed are suspected, both criminal charges and civil liability can follow. Importantly:

- Criminal vs. civil: Criminal proceedings address punishment and public safety. Civil claims focus on compensating victims for their injuries and losses.
- Punitive damages: In cases involving intoxicated driving and egregious disregard for safety, California law may allow punitive damages in addition to compensatory damages to punish and deter similar conduct.
- Comparative negligence: California follows pure comparative negligence. Even if more than one party shares fault, each may recover damages reduced by their percentage of responsibility. Signal timing, right-of-way, and speed can all be relevant.

Potential Civil Claims and Available Compensation

Victims injured by a negligent or impaired driver may pursue personal injury claims against the at-fault driver and, in many cases, their insurance carrier. Potential compensation can include:

- Medical expenses: Emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, imaging, medications, and ongoing treatment such as physical therapy.
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity: Income missed during recovery and future earning reductions caused by long-term limitations.
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and related non-economic harms.
- Property damage: Vehicle repair or replacement, towing, and rental car costs.
- Out-of-pocket costs: Travel for medical care, home modifications, and assistive devices.
- Punitive damages: Potentially available in DUI cases, depending on the evidence and circumstances.

For families facing a prolonged hospitalization and rehabilitation, documenting all costs and future care needs is essential. Catastrophic injuries may require life care planning, vocational analysis, and expert testimony to fully capture the long-term impact.

Evidence That Can Strengthen a Claim

Early evidence preservation can be decisive. In intersection collisions and suspected DUI matters, the following evidence often plays a critical role:

- Police records: Collision reports, field sobriety test results, breath or blood alcohol test results, and officer observations.
- Traffic signal data: Signal phase and timing logs for Hageman Road and Fruitvale Avenue can clarify which direction had the right-of-way and whether any red-light violations occurred.
- Video and imagery: Intersection cameras, nearby business surveillance, dashcams, and residential doorbell cameras.
- Event data recorders: Many vehicles store speed, braking, and throttle data seconds before impact.
- Witness statements: Independent eyewitness accounts can corroborate speed, signal phases, and driver behavior.
- Scene documentation: Photographs of vehicle resting positions, skid marks, debris fields, and roadway conditions.
- Medical documentation: Prompt and thorough records connecting injuries to the crash and charting the course of treatment.

Unique Issues in Intersection Crashes

Intersection collisions frequently involve right-of-way disputes, abrupt light changes, and visibility challenges. Particular issues that may arise include:

- Left-turn conflicts and protected phases.
- Sun glare during early morning hours.
- Line-of-sight obstructions from vegetation, signage, or large vehicles.
- Speed estimation based on crush damage, skid marks, and accident reconstruction.

A qualified reconstruction expert can use physical evidence and data sources to model speeds and impact angles. When intoxication is suspected, the timing of testing and chain of custody for samples can also become points of contention.

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Our thoughts are with the three individuals hospitalized in this DUI crash as they begin the difficult road to recovery. Incidents like this highlight the serious consequences of impaired driving and the critical importance of accountability on our roads.

At Avian Law Group, we are committed to standing up for victims of DUI crashes, helping them seek justice and the compensation they deserve. If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash involving an impaired driver, contact our experienced legal team today for a free and compassionate consultation.