The unidentified victim was struck along Union Avenue near Brundage Lane, officials say
BAKERSFIELD, CA, (December 09, 2024) - Authorities in Bakersfield say the man accused of fatally hitting a pedestrian while driving under the influence Monday night has been arrested on multiple charges, including felony hit-and-run.
Oscar Quintero-Lopez, 21, was allegedly drunk when he struck and killed a pedestrian along Union Avenue near Brundage Lane in Bakersfield Monday night, according to officials.
The victim—whose identity was not available—was struck by a Toyota sedan around 9:30 p.m. along Union Avenue near Brundage Lane. According to preliminary reports, the Toyota's driver fled the scene but was later tracked to his house in southeast Bakersfield. The suspect, named 21-year-old Oscar Quintero-Lopez, made his first court appearance on Wednesday, police said.
Officials also said the fatality victim was hit a second time by a pickup, whose driver initially left but later returned.
This is an active investigation.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
Failure to remain on the collision site can attract criminal charges, and the victim can also pursue a case against the driver.
Hit-and-run crashes killed around 2049 people in 2016— a 62% increase from 2009, the last year in which a downward trend was recorded. AAA said the data makes 2016 the deadliest year since the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration began compiling statistics on fatal motor vehicle crashes in 1975.
“Having the proper resources is extremely important to investigate a pedestrian accident case and prove negligence,” said Candice Bond, an experienced hit-and-run accident attorney and a Managing Partner of Bond Legal.
“The driver always has to take great care behind the wheel,” Bond added.
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the investigation, the family members of the person killed in the crash 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 such as this incident.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Bond, a national legal analyst for Newsline.
“A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that the victim's legal rights and best interests are protected.”
If you have been injured or a loved one has been killed at the hands of a hit-and-run 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).