Three inmates and a transport van driver were injured at Chester Avenue and 24th Street
June 11, 2026 | Bakersfield, CA
What happened in the crash?
Bernice Bravo Menzo, 36, was arrested on suspicion of felony DUI after a crash that injured three inmates and a transport van driver in Bakersfield.
- Date and time: June 11 at approximately 2:55 a.m.
- Location: Chester Avenue and 24th Street, Bakersfield, CA
- Vehicles involved: Car driven by Bernice Bravo Menzo and Kern County Sheriff’s Office transport van
- Injuries: Three inmates and the van driver were transported to the hospital
- Charges: Bernice Bravo Menzo arrested on suspicion of felony DUI
Why do these accidents happen?
Drivers under the influence often experience impaired judgment, reduced vision, poor coordination, and slower reaction times. National data shows these factors contribute to hundreds of thousands of injuries annually.
Crash Statistics
| Source | Annual U.S. Injuries from Impaired Crashes | Key Risk Factors |
|---|
| Centers for Disease Control | About 300,000 | Alcohol/drug impairment |
| Federal Highway Administration | A significant portion of nighttime crashes | Excessive speed and red-light runs |
Legal Insights
National legal analysts at Bond Legal discussed motor vehicle crash cases broadly.
In cases such as this, a victim may be entitled to compensation through a civil lawsuit against the responsible party. In addition to the diligent work of law enforcement, an attorney can re-interview important witnesses, analyze any surveillance video from the crash scene, and obtain the liable party's phone and text records. Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help compassionately guide injured victims during this difficult time, protecting their legal rights while ensuring that drivers who take the wheel under the influence are held accountable for their actions.
— Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal.
Key takeaways:
- Victims may pursue recovery for medical expenses, future care, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma, added Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal.
- Legal guidance helps clarify rights after a serious collision.
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If you or a family member has been affected by a similar incident, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation. Use the contact information provided on this page.
(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).
Tags: Latest News, Non Commercial, Motor Vehicle Accident, California, DUI Accident, Bakersfield, KCSO, Chester Avenue, 24th Street