The Bakersfield resident's car was rear-ended along East Truxtun Avenue, authorities say
BAKERSFIELD, CA, (September 28, 2024) - A 47-year-old woman was killed in a crash involving an allegedly alcohol-impaired driver Saturday night on a Bakersfield street, authorities said.
Lorena De La Torre-Luna, 47, lost her life following a two-vehicle collision along East Truxtun Avenue in Bakersfield Saturday night, according to authorities.
The incident happened around 11:14 p.m. in the 1200 block of East Truxtun Avenue.
According to police, a Dodge Duragno was traveling west on East Truxtun Avenue when its driver slammed into the rear of the other vehicle, which was stopped along the north curbline. Tragically, the driver of the stopped car—Bakersfield resident Lorena De La Torre-Luna—suffered fatal injuries and later died at the scene. An unidentified passenger riding with Torre-Luna was hospitalized with major injuries.
Details about the charges that the Dodge's driver may face were not available.
This is an ongoing investigation.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol is always dangerous, not only for intoxicated drivers but for other people on the road.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speeding was the primary cause of fatal crashes in 2018, followed by the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication; failure to stay in the proper lane; failure to yield the right of way; and distracted driving.
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.
“Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help compassionately guide a family during this difficult time, protecting their rights, while ensuring that a driver who does not obey traffic laws is held accountable for their actions,” Bond added.
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the investigation, the family members of Lorena De La Torre-Luna 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).