A passenger suffered major injuries and a driver was arrested on suspicion of DUI following a solo vehicle crash on Highway 178 in Bakersfield early Wednesday morning, April 16, 2025.
According to the California Highway Patrol, at around 2:38 a.m., a 2005 Toyota Camry veered off the road and collided with a canyon wall east of the mouth of the canyon.
The driver, identified as Luis C., and a male passenger were transported to Kern Medical for treatment. The passenger sustained major injuries, while the driver suffered minor to moderate injuries.
At the hospital, officers observed objective signs of alcohol impairment in the driver. After failing to perform a field sobriety test as instructed, he was arrested for felony DUI causing bodily injury.
CHP officers are investigating the cause of the crash.
Don’t Know What To Do After An Accident?
Your safety and rights depend on what you do next after an accident. Remember the following steps if you find yourself in one:
- Check yourself for any injuries.
- Stay on the scene, call 9-1-1, and wait for emergency responders.
- Move your vehicle to the road shoulder if safe; turn on hazard lights.
- Fully cooperate with law enforcement and stay until cleared to leave.
- Document the scene and injuries with photos and videos.
- Seek immediate medical attention.
- Contact your insurance company and find a personal injury lawyer for legal advice.
What A Lawyer Can Do For You
Many victims put off calling a lawyer even if they sustain injuries after an accident. However, lawyers can help you in many ways. They can provide you with police reports, CCTV footage, and witness statements to strengthen your case. Your attorney will also negotiate with insurance companies to get you fair compensation. The best part is that they will do all of these things for you at no upfront cost. So if you’re injured in an accident, hire a personal injury attorney to recover medical bills, car repair costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.