Bakersfield, CA — The Kern County Coroner’s Office has identified the second fatality in a suspected DUI collision on September 28, 2024, as 53-year-old Bakersfield resident Victor Medina Castro, according to KBAK.
Castro was initially hospitalized with severe injuries and succumbed to them three days later, marking a second loss tied to the collision that initially claimed the life of 47-year-old Lorena De La Torre-Luna.
The fatal crash occurred around 11:14 PM on East Truxtun Avenue near Miller Street, a busy stretch of road lined with local businesses and residential areas. De La Torre-Luna had parked her vehicle along the north curb, and she and Castro were sitting inside when a Dodge Durango, reportedly speeding westbound, violently rear-ended their vehicle.
The impact was catastrophic. De La Torre-Luna was pronounced dead at the scene by first responders, while Castro was rushed to Kern Medical, where he later passed away.
According to court records and the Bakersfield Police Department, the driver of the Durango, 25-year-old Martin Alameda Sanchez, is believed to have been intoxicated at the time of the crash. Tests conducted at the scene revealed Sanchez’s blood-alcohol levels at 0.257 and 0.262%, far exceeding California’s legal limit of 0.08%.
Reports also indicate that Sanchez admitted to drinking a 12-pack of beer before getting behind the wheel and disclosed a prior DUI conviction in Oakland. Sanchez, who has never held a driver’s license, is now facing serious charges, including second-degree murder and gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.
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.”
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.
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.
