Bakersfield, CA – Authorities have named 20-year-old Derek Sanders as the driver suspected of DUI after his vehicle struck a gas station sign, leaving his passenger with moderate injuries on the evening of Thursday, May 22, 2025, according to KGET.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reports that the collision occurred around 7:55 PM near the intersection of Niles Street and Mt. Vernon Avenue, in front of the Fastrip gas station.
Authorities say Sanders was allegedly driving under the influence when his black sedan veered off the road and collided with a large Fastrip sign. A front-seat passenger was injured in the crash and transported by ambulance for treatment. Sanders was arrested at the scene.
Emergency crews from CHP, the Kern County Sheriff’s Office, and Hall Ambulance responded. Witnesses reported that the sign briefly caught fire after the impact, but the flames were quickly contained.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
California DUI Law
Section 23153(a) of the California Vehicle Code (CVC) states that it is illegal for any driver to “Operate a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs and, as a result, cause bodily injury to someone else.”
Passenger Liability
Driver liability insurance covers both those outside the vehicle and passengers inside. While it can be emotionally difficult to file a Personal Injury claim against someone close to the victim, the financial challenges after an accident can be overwhelming.
A skilled personal injury attorney can help families pursue proper compensation for their loss by handling these legal complexities and negotiating with insurance companies, who always try to reduce payouts on claims they cannot deny.
