[03-16-2025] Kern County, CA – Husband and Wife Killed in Suspected DUI Crash on Stockdale Highway

A husband and wife, 30-year-old Max Austin M. and 30-year-old Desiree Paula Noelle M., were killed in a suspected DUI crash on Stockdale Highway in Bakersfield early Sunday morning, March 16, 2025.

According to the Bakersfield Police Department, officers responded to the intersection of Stockdale Highway and Coffee Road at around 1:37 a.m. for a two-vehicle crash.

Upon arrival, authorities found two passengers in one of the vehicles suffering from severe injuries. Max was pronounced dead at the scene, while Desiree was transported to Kern Medical, where she later died.

The driver and an additional passenger in the same vehicle sustained moderate injuries and were taken to a hospital for treatment. Reports indicate that the driver was an Uber driver transporting passengers home from a bar.

The other involved vehicle, a white Hyundai, was reportedly speeding eastbound on Stockdale Highway when it ran a red light and collided with the Uber driver’s vehicle. The driver of the Hyundai, identified as 21-year-old Annabel C., sustained minor injuries and was hospitalized.

Authorities confirmed that speed and alcohol impairment were factors in the crash. Once discharged from the hospital, Annabel will be booked into Lerdo Jail and charged with murder.

The investigation is ongoing.

Speak With Trusted DUI Accident Victim Lawyers In Bakersfield, CA

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a dangerous and illegal act that continues to be a major threat on California roads. These reckless drivers put countless lives at risk, often causing serious accidents with devastating consequences. If you or a loved one has been injured in a DUI-related crash, our Bakersfield personal injury lawyers are here to help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., our DUI accident attorneys will assess your case, explain your legal options, and assist you in gathering essential evidence, including police reports and medical records, to strengthen your claim.

At Arash Law, our Bakersfield DUI accident victim lawyers are committed to protecting your rights and securing the maximum compensation for your losses. With over $750 million recovered in verdicts and settlements, we have the experience and dedication to handle even the most challenging cases.

Take action today. Call (888) 488-1391 or fill out our “Do I Have a Case?” form to schedule your free consultation with a skilled DUI accident attorney.

Ways To Protect Yourself After Being A Victim of A DUI Accident In Bakersfield, CA

Being involved in a DUI accident can be a traumatic and overwhelming experience, leaving you unsure of what to do next. However, taking the right steps immediately after the crash can help protect your rights and improve your chances of securing the compensation you deserve.

Our Bakersfield DUI accident attorneys recommend following these essential steps to safeguard your well-being and strengthen your claim.

1. Remain At The Accident Scene. You may move your car to the side of the road to avoid further incidents, but you should not think about leaving. California law requires all individuals involved in a traffic collision to stay, regardless of who’s at fault. Otherwise, you may face hit-and-run charges.
2. Obtain Prompt Medical Care. Call 911 if you or someone else sustains an injury. Receiving immediate medical attention on-site will help prevent complications. Moreover, this will allow you to document the physical damage you incurred, giving insurance companies no chance to downplay your claim.
3. Contact The Nearest Local Police Department. Responding officers will investigate the scene and conduct field sobriety tests. They will also draft an accident report, which can support your case later.
4. Collect Evidence. Take photos and videos of the accident scene, the sustained injuries, and the wrecked vehicles. Furthermore, write down essential information, such as the other parties’ names, addresses, contact numbers, and insurance details. You may also request witnesses to provide testimonies.
5. Inform The Insurance Company. Provide them with the basic details about the incident. However, be cautious of what you share, as they may use your words to their advantage.
6. Consult Arash Law. Our Bakersfield lawyers for DUI accident victims will explain your rights and guide you through the process of holding the intoxicated driver accountable. We will also negotiate with insurers, ensuring you get maximum compensation.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

DUI Accident Statistics

According to the NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis, in 2020, there were 11,654 fatalities resulting from motor vehicle traffic crashes involving at least one alcohol-impaired driver, accounting for 30% of all traffic fatalities in the United States that year. This marked a 14.3 percent increase in fatalities due to alcohol-impaired driving, rising from 10,196 in 2019 to 11,654 in 2020.

On average, one fatality related to alcohol-impaired driving occurred every 45 minutes. The age groups of 21 to 24 years and 25 to 34 years had the highest percentages of alcohol-impaired drivers involved in fatal crashes, with each group representing 26 percent of such incidents in 2020.

The highest percentage of alcohol-impaired drivers in fatal crashes was among motorcycle riders at 27%, followed by drivers of passenger cars at 23%, light trucks at 19%, and large trucks at 3%. Among the 1,093 traffic fatalities in 2020 involving children aged 14 and younger, 21 percent (229 fatalities) occurred in crashes involving alcohol-impaired driving.