Two people sustained major injuries following a two-vehicle collision at the Olive and Knudsen Drives intersection in northwest Bakersfield late Wednesday night, January 22, 2025.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the crash occurred around 11:31 p.m. when a Toyota Camry heading eastbound on Olive Drive ran a red light before crashing into a Mini Cooper heading southbound on Knudsen Drive.
The impact sent one of the vehicles to crash into a power pole and fire hydrant, destroying both near the intersection.
Emergency responders transported all three occupants of the Toyota to Kern Medical, with two sustaining major injuries and the third suffering minor injuries. The four occupants of the Mini Cooper were reportedly uninjured in the crash.
Authorities are investigating whether alcohol or drugs were factors in the collision.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Call The Reckless Driving Accident Attorneys Bakersfield Relies On
Someone else’s recklessness might have caused an accident, injured you, or tragically claimed the life of a loved one. In this case, you have the right to pursue financial compensation for your losses. Seek assistance from our top-notch Bakersfield injury law firm to maximize your chances of obtaining the full financial recovery you are owed.
Our skilled reckless driving accident lawyers, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., will evaluate your case at no cost in a no-obligation consultation. We will consider all the factors that may affect your potential settlement and work to get you the most money possible.
Over the years, we have fought successfully for the rights of accident victims. We have helped them and their families in receiving more than $500 million in compensation, making us one of California’s leading injury law firms.
Complete our “Do I Have a Case?” form or call our attorneys at (888) 488-1391 to arrange a free initial consultation.
What To Do After Getting Injured In A Reckless-Driving Accident
After a traffic accident caused by someone’s recklessness, ensure everyone is safe, but only if you can still do so. Call 911 immediately, especially when someone needs medical assistance. Don’t move someone who is unconscious or complaining of back or neck pain unless their life is in imminent danger, like from an oncoming fire or car. After prioritizing safety, you must do the following to protect your health and rights to compensation:
- Notify the authorities of any deaths, serious injuries, or substantial property damage. Get the names and badge numbers of the officers who responded to the accident. Obtain a copy of their accident report, as this can bolster your future claim.
- Share names, driver’s licenses, and insurance information with the involved parties, but do not take responsibility. Take pictures of all the vehicles involved, together with any visible damage, skid marks, and injuries. Ask the witnesses for their phone numbers and addresses.
- Seek medical care even if you feel fine. Proving a clear connection between your injuries and the accident can strengthen your claim.
- Contact Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 for a free case evaluation. We can help you get accident reports and other evidence, negotiate with insurers, and file a personal injury claim. Without legal representation, never sign any paperwork, accept a settlement offer, or provide a recorded statement to insurance adjusters.
Reckless Driving Accident Statistics
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) revealed that speeding has been a significant contributing factor to motor vehicle fatalities for more than 20 years, accounting for more than one-third of all traffic fatalities. In 2022, 29% of all traffic deaths were caused by speeding.
Everyone on the road is at risk when a driver speeds or runs a red light. In 2022, speeding claimed the lives of 12,151 people. This alarming statistic highlights the pressing need for awareness and action addressing speed-related collisions.
Remember that the purpose of speed limits is to protect all road users. Addressing speeding requires cooperation from everyone in order to promote safe driving practices and increase community safety.