Hit-and-Run Crash Leaves One Hospitalized in Bakersfield

Hit-and-Run Injury Crash at Rosedale Highway and Allen Road in BakersfieldCHP Investigates Friday Afternoon Collision; One Person Hospitalized as Search Continues for Fleeing DriverOverview of the IncidentOn Friday, December 5, 2025, at approximately 2:24 p.m., a hit-and-run collision with injuries was reported at the intersection of Rosedale Highway and Allen Road in Bakersfield. According to preliminary information from the California Highway Patrol (CHP), a white four-door Ford sedan and a white Chevrolet Traverse collided in the intersection. Following the impact, the driver of the Ford fled the scene without stopping. First responders, including paramedics and fire crews, arrived promptly and transported one injured individual from the vehicle that remained at the scene to a local hospital. The full extent of injuries has not been disclosed. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not yet announced whether the fleeing driver has been located.What We Know So Far- Time and place: 2:24 p.m. on December 5, 2025, at Rosedale Highway and Allen Road.- Vehicles involved: White four-door Ford sedan (driver fled) and white Chevrolet Traverse (remained at the scene).- Injuries: At least one person was injured and transported for medical care.- Status: CHP is conducting an active investigation and seeking information regarding the Ford and its driver.Intersections like Rosedale Highway and Allen Road see heavy traffic volumes and multiple turning movements throughout the day. Collisions in these areas often involve turning conflicts, red-light or stoplight timing issues, or distraction-related hazards, which can increase the risk of injury when impacts occur at speed.Why Hit-and-Run Cases Are DifferentHit-and-run collisions add an additional layer of complexity to an already stressful situation. California law requires drivers involved in a crash to stop, provide identifying information, and render reasonable assistance when injuries are involved. Failing to do so can lead to serious criminal penalties. From a civil standpoint, a fleeing driver also complicates insurance claims and recovery because an injured person may initially be left without the at-fault driver’s identity or insurance information. Nevertheless, injured victims still have viable legal avenues to pursue compensation, even if the driver is not immediately identified.Your Rights and Options If the Driver Isn’t Found- Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage: If you carry UM bodily injury coverage, you may be able to recover for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering, even when the at-fault driver is unknown or uninsured. Many California policies treat unidentified hit-and-run drivers as uninsured for UM purposes, although policies may require some corroborating evidence of the impact.- Medical Payments (Med-Pay): If your auto policy includes Med-Pay, it can help with initial medical bills regardless of fault and without the need to identify the other driver.- Health insurance: Your health insurance may cover medical treatment, subject to co-pays and deductibles, with potential reimbursement from any eventual settlement.- Collision coverage: Property damage to your vehicle may be covered under collision coverage, subject to your deductible.- Later claims against the driver: If the driver is identified through investigation (license plate recognition, witness tips, surveillance footage, or vehicle part number trace), you can pursue a liability claim against that driver and their insurer. In egregious circumstances—such as intoxication or extreme recklessness—punitive damages may be available under California law.Steps to Take After a Hit-and-Run in