Bakersfield, CA – The Kern County Coroner’s Office has identified the woman killed in a devastating crash on Saturday night, September 28, 2024, as 47-year-old Lorena De La Torre-Luna of Bakersfield, according to KBAK.
The collision occurred around 11:14 PM on East Truxtun Avenue near Miller Street. De La Torre-Luna’s vehicle was parked along the north curb when a Dodge Durango traveling westbound rear-ended her car at high speed, according to the Bakersfield Police Department.
Emergency responders arrived to find De La Torre-Luna with severe injuries, and she was pronounced dead at the scene. A male passenger in her vehicle also suffered major injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he remains in critical condition.
The driver of the Dodge Durango was not injured and was detained by security officers from a nearby business until police arrived. Preliminary investigations suggest that both speed and alcohol may have been factors in the crash, and the incident remains under investigation.
Wrongful Death Claims
Even if a fatal accident doesn’t lead to criminal charges, families who lose a loved one can still file a Wrongful Death claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance. This compensation can help cover medical bills, funeral costs, and lost income that the family depended on.
However, insurance companies will always try to pay as little as possible, making it difficult for families to receive the full amount they deserve. So, having an experienced personal injury attorney is essential to receive fair compensation and justice for your loved one.
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.”
