Bakersfield, CA – On the evening of Saturday, May 9, 2026, a wrong-way suspected DUI collision left two people hospitalized and led to the arrest of Gabrielle Monique Valdez, 33, of Bakersfield, according to KBAK.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident took place around 9:10 PM on northbound Highway 99 near Rosedale Highway.
Authorities said Valdez was driving a 2018 Chevrolet Impala southbound in the number one lane of northbound Highway 99 when the front of her vehicle collided with a 2003 Honda Accord driven by an 18-year-old woman traveling northbound on Highway 99 south of Rosedale Highway.
Both drivers sustained injuries and were transported to Kern Medical for treatment. Valdez was subsequently arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Personal Injury Claims
When the actions of reckless drivers cause others to be injured, the cost of recovery should not fall on their victims. Filing a personal injury claim with the at-fault party’s insurance can provide compensation for medical bills and lost wages during recovery.
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.”
California Car Accident Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, contact a California car accident lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
