Bakersfield, CA – On the late evening of Saturday, January 31, 2026, a hit-and-run collision resulted in fatal injuries to a motorcyclist, according to KBAK.
The Bakersfield Police Department reports the crash occurred around 10:44 PM in the 4500 block of Ming Avenue near Stine Road. Officers responding to the scene found an adult male motorcyclist suffering from injuries that were initially described as non-life-threatening. The involved vehicle, described as a white sedan, had fled the area before officers arrived.
A preliminary investigation determined that the motorcyclist was riding a black Kawasaki motorcycle eastbound on Ming Avenue when the driver of the white sedan made an unsafe turning maneuver. The maneuver caused a collision that threw the motorcyclist from the bike and resulted in significant traumatic injuries.
Emergency medical personnel provided treatment at the scene, and the motorcyclist was transported for advanced medical care. Despite ongoing treatment, he later succumbed to his injuries. Authorities said he died around 9:30 AM on Sunday, February 1, 2026, while hospitalized at an out-of-town medical facility.
As part of the investigation, officers contacted a woman believed to be the driver of the white sedan in the early morning hours of February 1. After further investigation, Bakersfield police arrested 23-year-old Martha Obregon Perez on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.
Obregon Perez was booked into the Lerdo Detention Facility on charges of vehicular manslaughter and hit and run causing death. The Bakersfield Police Department stated that the investigation included evidence collection, witness interviews, and a review of available information related to the collision.
The crash remains under investigation, and authorities have not released additional details regarding contributing factors. Anyone with information related to the incident is encouraged to contact the Bakersfield Police Department.
California Hit-and-Run Laws
California Law requires drivers involved in a collision to stop their vehicle, notify law enforcement, and exchange insurance information with others involved. Failure to do so, considered to be a “hit-and-run,” is a misdemeanor in cases of property damage and a felony when someone has been injured.
Hit-and-Runs and Wrongful Death Claims
The compensation provided by a Wrongful Death claim can financially support families grieving the loss of a loved one due to another person’s negligence. These funds can go toward hospital bills, burial expenses, and help support any dependents of the deceased.
In cases where the at-fault party escapes justice, families may still be able to pursue compensation through their own uninsured driver coverage. A personal injury attorney can offer guidance on what options they may have available and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure that victims receive the best settlement possible.
Bakersfield Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, contact a Bakersfield Motorcycle Accident Lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
