[09-28-2025] Kern County, CA – 6-Year-Old Killed, Several Injured in Suspected DUI Crash at Cottonwood Road and E. Panama Lane in Bakersfield

A 6-year-old child, identified as Azmeret, died following a suspected DUI crash in southeast Bakersfield on Sunday morning, September 28, 2025.

According to the Bakersfield Police Department, the crash occurred around 7:41 a.m. at the intersection of Cottonwood Road and E. Panama Lane.

Preliminary investigation revealed that a black sedan allegedly rear-ended a white SUV at high speeds, causing the SUV to roll over and the sedan to veer into a nearby vineyard. The driver of the SUV, a woman, and an infant passenger sustained minor to moderate injuries. The 6-year-old passenger suffered major injuries and was transported to Orange County Children’s Hospital, where they later died.

The driver of the sedan, 20-year-old Cesar Magana, showed signs of impairment and was arrested without incident. He was medically cleared and booked, with charges amended to include gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.

Authorities continue to investigate the crash.

Contact Our DUI Accident Victim Lawyers In Bakersfield, CA

Rear-end accidents involving suspected impaired drivers can result in fatalities or serious injuries, creating legal and financial considerations for families and survivors. Understanding potential legal options may help you take the necessary steps following such incidents.

Our DUI accident victim lawyers in Bakersfield can help you explore legal avenues after a collision involving a suspected impaired driver. This may include reviewing official reports, assisting with insurance communications, and explaining the process of pursuing compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and other damages. Early legal guidance may help ensure important matters are addressed properly.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a DUI speeding-related accident, call us at (888) 488-1391 or fill out our “Do I Have a Case?” form for a free initial consultation.

What To Do After A Suspected DUI Crash In Bakersfield, CA

When a person, including a child, is killed or seriously injured in an SUV rollover accident involving a suspected impaired driver, surviving family members and others affected may take certain steps to help protect legal rights and preserve important evidence related to the incident.

1. Contact Authorities And Obtain Official Records
   Ensure that police reports and any available medical or investigative documentation are obtained. These records can be important for understanding the circumstances of the collision.
2. Document The Scene If Possible
   If family members or witnesses are present, safely gathering photographs or notes about the location, vehicles, and conditions may help preserve information.
3. Gather Witness Information
   Collect names and contact details of anyone who witnessed the collision. Their statements may help clarify the circumstances surrounding the accident.
4. Consult DUI Accident Victim Lawyers
   An attorney can explain possible legal options for the family, assist with insurance communications, and help preserve time-sensitive evidence. Early guidance may help ensure legal rights are protected and the case is handled appropriately.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

DUI Accident Statistics

Driving under the influence of alcohol continues to be a serious safety concern in the U.S. In 2023, the National Safety Council reported 12,429 deaths linked to alcohol-related crashes, which is a 7.6 percent drop from the previous year. This marks the second year in a row that alcohol-related fatalities have declined, reflecting ongoing efforts to reduce impaired driving.

A crash is considered alcohol-impaired when at least one driver or motorcyclist has a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 grams per deciliter or higher. This is the legal limit in most states, and exceeding it makes driving both unsafe and illegal.