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Bakersfield, California – The Kern County Coroner’s Office has confirmed the identity of a man who died in an early morning collision on Sunday involving a suspected intoxicated driver.
The victim was 35-year-old Salvador Gallegos Jr. of Bakersfield.
Authorities report that Gallegos Jr. was traveling along Fairfax Road around 12:30 a.m. when a pickup truck, allegedly operated by an impaired driver, veered into his lane and struck his vehicle head-on.
Gallegos Jr. succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
The other driver, identified as Juan Rangel, was taken into custody and booked at the Lerdo Detention Facility. He faces charges of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and DUI.
Source: KGET
How to Claim Compensation When a Driver Dies in a Head-On Collision Involving DUI
Losing a loved one in a head-on collision caused by a drunk driver is a devastating and life-altering experience. In California, families have the right to seek justice through a wrongful death claim when the crash was caused by someone else’s negligence—especially in cases involving driving under the influence (DUI). Understanding your legal options is the first step toward holding the responsible party accountable and securing the compensation your family deserves.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?
According to California law, the following parties may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim:
- The deceased’s spouse or domestic partner
- Children or stepchildren
- Parents, if no direct descendants exist
- Financial dependents
To navigate this process, it is crucial to consult experienced wrongful death attorneys who understand the complex legal standards and deadlines involved.
DUI and Head-On Collisions: A Deadly Combination
When DUI is involved, the at-fault driver may face both criminal charges and civil liability. A head-on crash caused by an intoxicated driver often results in catastrophic injuries or death due to the violent force of impact. These cases require urgent action, especially to preserve key evidence such as:
- Police and toxicology reports
- Dash cam or surveillance footage
- Witness statements
- Accident reconstruction analyses
You should immediately speak with DUI accident attorneys who can help investigate the incident and build a strong claim.
Proving Liability in a Head-On DUI Crash
Establishing liability typically involves demonstrating that the impaired driver:
- Operated a vehicle while intoxicated,
- Crossed into the victim’s lane or otherwise caused the crash,
- Directly caused the death through gross negligence or recklessness.
In such cases, working with seasoned head-on collision attorneys ensures that no stone is left unturned in proving fault and maximizing the financial recovery.
Types of Compensation Available
Surviving family members may be entitled to compensation for:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical costs related to the accident
- Loss of future income and support
- Loss of companionship and emotional suffering
- Punitive damages (in DUI-related cases)
If the crash occurred in or around Kern County, consulting a Bakersfield car accident attorney can provide specific insights into local court procedures and jury tendencies.
Talk to a DUI Wrongful Death Attorney in Bakersfield Today
If your loved one was killed in a DUI-related head-on collision, don’t wait to take legal action. The attorneys at Megeredchian Law are ready to fight for justice and fair compensation on your behalf.Visit us at 4900 California Ave 210B, Bakersfield, CA 93309. Call (661) 403-4679 for a free consultation.