Police said a BMW driver died after the red-light wreck at Chester Lane
June 28, 2026 | Bakersfield, CA
A man was killed Sunday in Bakersfield when his BMW was struck by a Mazda hatchback at the intersection of California Avenue and Chester Lane.
What happened in the Bakersfield crash?
Gavin Mundschau was arrested on suspicion of DUI and vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated after allegedly running a red light and striking a BMW at California Avenue and Chester Lane.
- Gavin Mundschau drove a Mazda hatchback westbound into the intersection against a red light
- The vehicle struck a BMW at California Avenue and Chester Lane around 12:06 a.m.
- The BMW driver suffered major injuries and died after transport to a local hospital
- Mundschau was arrested on charges of DUI and vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated
Why do these accidents happen?
Alcohol-impaired driving continues to cause serious crashes across California. Authorities confirmed Mundschau was under the influence at the time of the collision.
| Statistic | Value | Source |
|---|
| Alcohol-involved crash deaths in 2023 | 1,355 | California Office of Traffic Safety |
| Increase since 2014 | 55% | California Office of Traffic Safety |
| Primary impairment effects | Judgment, vision, coordination, reaction time | Federal Highway Administration |
Legal Insights
In cases such as this, separate from criminal charges, a victim's family 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 scene of the crash, and obtain phone and text records of the liable party.
— candice bond, managing partner of bond legal
In cases such as this, we understand just what families are forced to go through, and having their rights protected is vital. A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that their best interests are taken care of.
— stefano formica, of counsel with bond legal
Key takeaways:
- Families may pursue damages for loss of companionship and emotional distress
- Civil claims can proceed alongside criminal proceedings
- Legal teams can gather additional evidence beyond initial police reports
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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, Bakersfield, Fatal DUI Accident, California Avenue, Chester Lane