[04-30-2023] Kern County, CA – Five People Sustained Minor Injuries After DUI Pursuit-Related Crash at Highway 46 and 99

Five people sustained minor injuries after a DUI pursuit-related collision in Kern County on Sunday night, April 30, 2023.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the 23-year-old DUI driver, Crystal O., crashed into a Toyota RAV4 carrying four occupants at the Highway 46 and Highway 99 intersection after a pursuit.

Reports state that an officer tried to pull over the Acura for weaving and possible DUI at Avenue 72, on Highway 99 southbound, around 5:36 p.m. The driver refused to yield, starting the chase.

The pursuit continued southbound into Kern County at varying speeds and through light traffic. At the top of the off-ramp, approaching a stop sign, the Acura exited Highway 46.

On the Highway 99 overpass, a Toyota was moving westbound on Highway 46. With no stop sign, the Toyota had the right-of-way. The Acura ran a stop sign, drove into the intersection, and struck the Toyota, pushing it down into an embankment.

The Pasadena resident, Olvera, got minor injuries from the crash. The four occupants of the Toyota sustained minor injuries and were taken to Kern Medical Center.

Officers from the CHP Bakersfield also responded to the scene.

It was determined that alcohol was a contributing factor to the accident. Olvera was booked at the Tulare County, South County Pre-Trial Facility for felony evading and DUI.

Notable Drunk Driving Accident Victim Lawyers in Kern County

Injuries from a DUI-related accident can give rise to a lot of emotions, including frustration, doubt, and fear. The driver who caused the collision is legally responsible for any injuries you sustained in the event of a collision. Due to medical expenses and lost wages, the injured party may face severe financial challenges.

Although it may be difficult to stop all drunk driving accidents, California law protects those injured in DUI accidents.

Our skilled Kern County drunk driving accident lawyers at Arash Law, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., will effectively represent you in these court proceedings. Our firm has recovered more than $750 million for California clients.

To schedule a free consultation with one of our lawyers, call (888) 488-1391 or complete our “Do I Have a Case?” form.

What Should You Do After a DUI Accident?

A traumatic DUI accident can result in physical harm, emotional distress, and financial hardship. Defending your rights, safety, and health is crucial if you are involved in such accidents. This checklist will give you tips on handling its aftermath:

• It should be your top priority to get medical help. Also, check the condition of other people involved.
• Inform the police about the collision. The authorities will investigate to confirm if the driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol or not.
• Get essential details such as the driver’s name, contact details, license plate number, and insurance information.
• Take pictures of the accident scene, including the damaged vehicles and the victims’ injuries.
• You must report the accident to your insurance provider and recount the necessary information regarding the accident.
• Please speak with our DUI accident attorneys. They’ll defend your rights and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

DUI Accident Statistics

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drunk driving accidents kill about 32 people in the US daily, or one person every 45 minutes. Drunk driving caused 11,654 traffic deaths in 2020, an increase of 14% over the previous year.

According to a study by the California DUI Management Information System, the number of fatal collisions caused by alcohol increased by 5.8% between 2016 and 2017. Driving while intoxicated poses severe risks to both drivers and other road users. Additionally, drunk drivers waste about two billion gallons of fuel annually, harming the environment.

In 2019, there were 10,142 drunk driving deaths in the US and 949 in California alone, resulting in a rate of 2.4 per 100,000 population in the state compared to the national rate of 3.1. In 2014, drunk driving accounted for 26.3% of all traffic fatalities in California and 28.1% in the United States.