Careful drivers in Bakersfield can check mirrors and blind spots to monitor the actions of other drivers. But they can rarely anticipate an oncoming vehicle suddenly crossing a median to come straight for them. These reckless actions are even harder to predict when at-fault drivers are under the influence of a drug or alcohol.
A DUI driver can lose focus and even forget to hit the brakes when their actions have forced a collision. Victims in these accidents can face devastating consequences and require emergency medical care and weeks or months of follow-up treatment.
Multiple-Vehicle DUI Accident in Bakersfield
Several people were injured after a DUI suspect crossed into oncoming traffic along Truxtun Avenue in Bakersfield Monday evening. KGET-TV reports the accident occurred around 7:45 p.m. near the Westside Parkway interchange on July 12, 2021.
Bakersfield Police say the driver of a truck was traveling westbound on Truxtun when he lost control and crossed into the eastbound lanes. The truck collided with two vehicles and then overturned and caught fire. One passerby was able to rescue the truck’s driver and a passenger while another passerby was able to put out the fire with a fire extinguisher.
The truck’s driver was injured in the crash. Two other motorists also suffered injuries. Investigators believe the man at the wheel of the truck was driving while under the influence.
Securing Help for Bakersfield Accident Victims
Victims can wonder about their options after having their lives turned upside down by a bad traffic accident. They may already have multiple hospital bills in the mailbox before they even get a chance to return home. Their time away from work could have also left them unable to make their next car or rent payment.
If the at-fault driver in an accident faces DUI charges, victims can still file an accident claim against the driver’s insurance company. This civil claim can move forward independently of any criminal prosecution the driver faces.
A claim for damages would ask an insurance company for support in paying every medical cost suffered by victims. It could also request reimbursement for lost paychecks at work and the travel costs absorbed by the victims as they seek in and out-of-state treatment for their injuries.
Contact a Bakersfield Car Accident Lawyer
Victims may be cleared of any fault in their accident by police, but insurance companies can still make it difficult for them to earn support during recovery. It’s beneficial for victims and their families to have a personal injury lawyer to gather evidence and testimony to make sure an insurance adjuster is left no room to wriggle out of accepting liability for their policyholder.
Contact attorney Martin Gasparian for a free consultation on your case. Mr. Gasparian has represented many Bakersfield victims and their families over the years and made sure they earn what’s absolutely fair from insurance companies in order to rebuild their lives.
