Hit-and-Run Crash Injures Motorists on Christmas Day

Hit-and-Run Injures Motorists at Highway 178 and Oswell Street in Bakersfield on Christmas Morning

Overview of the Incident

A serious hit-and-run collision occurred in Bakersfield on Christmas Day, December 25, 2025, at approximately 5 a.m. The crash took place at the intersection of Highway 178 and Oswell Street. According to initial reports, one vehicle struck another and then fled the scene. Emergency responders transported one or more injured individuals to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment. The Bakersfield Police Department is actively investigating the circumstances of the collision and working to identify the driver who left the scene.

While full details have not yet been released, early-morning crashes at major intersections often involve a combination of factors such as low visibility, driver fatigue, impaired driving, or unsafe speeds. The presence of state highway traffic crossing local routes like Oswell Street can increase the risk of impact angles that lead to significant injuries. As investigators continue their work, injured parties and their families should be aware of their legal rights and the steps they can take to protect themselves.

What We Know So Far

- Date and time: December 25, 2025, around 5 a.m.
- Location: Intersection of Highway 178 and Oswell Street, Bakersfield
- Nature of crash: Hit-and-run, where one vehicle fled after striking another
- Injuries: One or more victims sustained injuries and were transported by paramedics
- Status: Investigation ongoing; authorities have not released additional details

Understanding Hit-and-Run Liability in California

Leaving the scene of a collision that causes injury is a crime in California. Beyond criminal exposure, hit-and-run drivers can be held civilly liable for the injuries and damages they cause. Even if the at-fault driver is not immediately identified, injured victims still have potential avenues to pursue recovery. Civil claims may encompass:

- Medical expenses (emergency care, hospitalization, medication, surgeries, follow-up treatment)
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs (physical therapy, occupational therapy, counseling)
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage and replacement transportation expenses
- In appropriate cases, punitive damages, where the conduct rises to the level of malice, oppression, or fraud under California law

Importantly, California follows a comparative negligence system. Even if multiple factors contributed to the crash, an injured person may still recover damages proportionate to the other party’s fault.

Common Causes of Early-Morning Intersection Collisions

While the investigation will determine the actual cause, the following factors frequently play a role in early morning intersection crashes on major corridors:

- Reduced visibility and lighting conditions at dawn
- Driver fatigue, especially after overnight hours or holiday gatherings
- Alcohol or drug impairment
- Speeding or failing to yield at intersections
- Distracted driving, including phone use or in-vehicle distractions
- Traffic signal violations or unsafe turns

Highway 178 is a critical east-west route, and intersections like Oswell Street can experience a mix of commuter, commercial, and holiday traffic. When a driver enters an intersection at an unsafe speed or fails to obey a traffic signal, the resulting T-bone or angle impact can produce serious injuries even at moderate speeds.

What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Crash

If you or a loved one was involved in this or a similar collision, consider these steps to safeguard your health, your rights, and your claim:

1) Get medical care immediately  
- Prioritize your health. Some injuries, including concussions and internal trauma, may not be obvious right away.  
- Follow your treatment plan and keep copies of discharge papers, imaging results, and prescriptions.

2) Report the crash  
- Call law enforcement and provide all known details, including descriptions of the fleeing vehicle and direction of travel.  
- Obtain the incident number and later request a copy of the police report.

3) Preserve evidence  
- Photograph the scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signals, debris fields, and any visible injuries.  
- Save dashcam footage and identify potential witnesses. Ask for names and contact information.  
- Keep bills, receipts, wage records, and a journal documenting pain levels and limitations.

4) Notify your insurer promptly  
- Report the collision to your insurance company. Provide truthful, concise information without speculating about fault.  
- Consider consulting an attorney before giving recorded statements.

5) Consult an attorney  
- A lawyer can coordinate an independent investigation, protect your claim, and handle communications with insurers and third parties.

Insurance Options After a Hit-and-Run

In California, even when the at-fault driver flees, your own insurance may provide essential coverage:

- Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage: UM may apply when a hit-and-run driver cannot be identified or is uninsured. California policies often require either physical contact with the phantom vehicle or corroborating evidence from an independent witness or other proof. Prompt reporting to law enforcement and your insurer is usually required under policy terms.

- Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage: If the at-fault driver is found but lacks adequate coverage, UIM may help bridge the gap up to your policy limits.

- Medical Payments (MedPay): MedPay can cover reasonable medical expenses regardless of fault, typically without deductibles or copays.

- Collision Coverage: This can pay for vehicle repairs after a hit-and-run subject to your deductible, even if the at-fault driver is never found.

After a hit-and-run, it’s common to feel overwhelmed—especially when injuries, holiday disruptions, and uncertainty about the fleeing driver all collide at once.

At Avian Law Group, we guide injured clients through hit-and-run cases with clarity, care, and respect. If you need help understanding your next steps after this Bakersfield collision, our team is here to support you every step of the way.