Bakersfield, CA — A suspected DUI hit-and-run on Union Avenue resulted in the death of a male pedestrian late Monday night, December 9, 2024, according to KGET.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported that the suspect involved in the fatal collision, 21-year-old Oscar Quintero-Lopez, made his first court appearance Wednesday afternoon, December 11.
Quintero-Lopez pleaded not guilty to felony hit-and-run and misdemeanor DUI charges. Prosecutors allege that Quintero-Lopez was driving without a valid license at the time of the crash. He was ordered to remain in custody without bail and is scheduled to return to court on December 23.
The fatal accident occurred around 9:30 PM on Monday night near Brundage Lane on Union Avenue. Police stated that a Toyota sedan traveling southbound struck a man who was walking outside of a crosswalk. After the initial collision, the Toyota fled the scene.
Shortly after, a pickup truck also hit the victim. Unlike the Toyota driver, the pickup driver initially left the scene but later returned to cooperate with investigators and was found not to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Authorities located the Toyota sedan later that same night at Quintero-Lopez’s residence in southeast Bakersfield. Following the discovery, Quintero-Lopez was booked into jail early Tuesday morning, according to inmate records.
The victim, whose identity has not been released, succumbed to his injuries at the scene. The circumstances that led to him being outside the crosswalk remain under investigation. Law enforcement officials are continuing to piece together the events that led to the tragic incident.
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.”
California Hit-and-Run Laws
California Law requires drivers involved in a collision to stop their vehicle, notify law enforcement, and exchange insurance information with others involved. Failure to do so, considered to be a “hit-and-run,” is a misdemeanor in cases of property damage and a felony when someone has been injured.
Pedestrian Fatalities and Wrongful Death Claims
Drivers have a Duty of Care towards pedestrians, who are particularly vulnerable in traffic accidents. This responsibility includes being vigilant for pedestrians near the roadway and, if a fatal collision occurs, staying with the victim, alerting emergency responders, and cooperating with authorities investigating the crash.
For those who lose a loved one in a pedestrian accident, filing a Wrongful Death claim with the assistance of an experienced attorney can provide compensation for medical bills, funeral costs, and other related damages.
Should the at-fault driver avoid legal consequences, compensation might still be available through a family member’s uninsured driver coverage. Consulting with a personal injury attorney can help determine the best options in such cases.
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.
