Deadly collision happened at South Union Avenue and Hosking Avenue, authorities say
BAKERSFIELD, CA, (November 22, 2024) - A 12-year-old girl's life was tragically cut short as a result of a two-vehicle crash involving a suspected drunk driver Friday night in south Bakersfield, according to authorities.
Anabel Marie Ramirez, only 12 years old, was killed after the vehicle in which she was a passenger was hit by an alleged DUI driver Friday night in south Bakersfield, according to authorities.
The Kern County coroner identified the girl as Bakersfield resident Anabel Marie Ramirez.
A preliminary investigation found that a Chevy SUV—driven by an alleged DUI driver—was traveling northbound on South Union Avenue around 7:24 p.m. when it crashed into a Honda sedan at the intersection with Hosking Avenue. Ramirez and another passenger, whose name was not available, in the Honda were transported to a hospital with major injuries. Sadly, the 12-year-old later passed away.
Police arrested the driver of the SUV on suspicion of gross vehicular manslaughter and DUI-related offenses.
The investigation remains underway.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
The death of the victim underscores the dangers of drunk driving, which, most experts say, is 100% preventable. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), almost 30 people die each day in the U.S. in drunk-driving crashes, which is one person every 50 minutes. More than 10,000 people die in drunk driving crashes each year.
While the cause and liability of the crash are being investigated, Candice Bond, an experienced accident attorney and Managing Partner of Bond Legal, said that it is imperative to have an independent investigation conducted by a seasoned attorney.
“In addition to the diligent work of law enforcement, an attorney can re-interview important witnesses, analyze any surveillance video from the scene of the crash, and obtain phone and texting records of the liable party,” said Bond.
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the investigation, the family members of Anabel Marie Ramirez may be entitled to a wrongful death claim. Family members of wrongful death victims may seek damages for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a catastrophic accident.
“We understand that losing a loved one is not only a deeply emotional loss but also an economic one,” said Bond, a national analyst for Newsline.
“If you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, contact a wrongful death attorney and get the guidance needed to obtain the justice you deserve.”
If you have been injured or a loved one has been killed at the hands of a drunken driver and would like a no-cost consultation, our national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation to guide you.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).