Bakersfield, CA – On the evening of Thursday, May 22, 2025, a serious single-vehicle crash in East Bakersfield resulted in at least one person sustaining major injuries after a black sedan collided with a Fastrip gas station sign, according to KBAK.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reports that the crash occurred at approximately 7:55 PM in front of the Fastrip convenience store and gas station located at 2200 Niles Street.
Witnesses at the scene, including members of a local news crew, observed the vehicle after it had struck the sign. The male driver was reportedly pulled from the car and found lying on the ground shortly after the collision.
Eyewitnesses also reported that the sign caught fire following the impact. However, emergency responders quickly extinguished the flames before they could spread to nearby structures or fuel pumps. No additional fires or explosions were reported.
Photos from the scene showed extensive damage to both the sedan and the Fastrip sign. The condition of the driver was described as critical, though no further details about his identity or current medical status have been released.
A male individual was seen in handcuffs at the scene, but it is currently unclear whether he was the driver or involved in another capacity. Authorities have not confirmed if impairment or other factors played a role in the crash.
The California Highway Patrol has launched a formal investigation into the circumstances leading up to the incident. At this time, it is unknown whether additional vehicles were involved or if charges will be filed.
Traffic in the immediate area was temporarily disrupted while emergency crews secured the scene and conducted preliminary investigations. Motorists were advised to avoid the area during the cleanup and response efforts.
No further information has been made available at this time. The investigation remains ongoing.
Single-Vehicle Collisions
In some cases, investigations may reveal that even in a single-vehicle accident, nearby drivers or unsafe road features share some responsibility. California’s Comparative Negligence rule means that, even if those injured in accidents are found partially at fault, they may still be eligible to receive partial compensation for damages.
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.
