Bakersfield, CA — According to KGET, a suspected DUI collision on the night of Saturday, December 14, 2024, injured multiple juveniles as well as a California Highway Patrol (CHP) officer and resulted in the arrest of 42-year-old William Charles Wright.
The accident took place on Calloway Drive, north of Slikker Drive, around 8:05 PM.
CHP reported that, at the time of the crash, they were in the process of establishing a DUI checkpoint. Allegedly, a blue Lexus SUV driven by Wright attempted to drive around the checkpoint.
After passing one patrol vehicle, he continued toward where officers were setting up traffic cones. Wright then collided with the rear of a CHP Dodge Charger before continuing to strike a CHP officer of one of the CHP explorers. According to CHP Sergeant Robert Rodriguez, the explorers are juveniles who assist CHP officers in their duties.
Those wounded in the crash received transportation to Kern Medical for treatment of their injuries. Wright was arrested on suspicion of DUI and faces felony charges.
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.”
Personal Injury Claims
After a car accident, victims and their families often deal with unexpected financial burdens, such as medical bills, lost income, and, in the worst cases, burial costs.
A Personal Injury claim allows accident victims to hold the at-fault party financially responsible for their cost of care. However, insurance companies usually try to reduce payouts for claims they can’t deny.
This is where a skilled personal injury attorney becomes essential, helping ensure victims get the justice and compensation they deserve.
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, feel free to contact Maison Law for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
Martin Gasparian is the founder of Maison Law, a California Personal Injury Law Firm. Martin is a graduate of Georgetown University Law School and has been practicing law in California 2004. His practice focuses on helping injury victims know their rights and recover just compensation.
