Bakersfield, CA (December 7, 2023) Off-duty Deputy Ana Christina Alvarez, 33, was driving home from a birthday party with her four children in the vehicle, when she hit a police car. Alvarez told police officers that she looked at her phone for a split second and didn’t see the Bakersfield Police Department vehicle until she hit it. Officers believe there was more to it than that, though.
The police car was stopped at a red light as Alvarez came up behind it in her Honda Odyssey. Instead of stopping, she slammed into the back of the police car. According to newly-released documents, officers reported that Alvarez had red, watery eyes and smelled of alcohol. Officers conducted a field sobriety test, which Alvarez failed. She was placed under arrest and her children, ages 3, 4, 6 and 7, were released to another family member.
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The officer in the police car was not seriously injured, but Alvarez faces charges of driving under the influence and four counts of child cruelty. This accident took place on Stockdale Highway at Village Lane, according to police officers. Everyone is just happy the children were uninjured as things could have ended much differently.
Alvarez was off-duty at the time of the collision and she has a pretrial conference scheduled for sometime in January, authorities said.
Liability In Bakersfield DUI Car Accidents
It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 23152, “(a) It is unlawful for a person who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage to drive a vehicle. (b) It is unlawful for a person who has 0.08 percent or more, by weight, of alcohol in his or her blood to drive a vehicle.” Even small amounts of alcohol can substantially impair drivers in the following ways:
- Delayed reaction times
- Loss of muscle control
- Impaired judgment
- Lowered alertness
The family of any victim that has been injured or killed in a collision with a drunk driver may have legal recourse through a bodily injury or wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. A wrongful death attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Bakersfield DUI Car Accident
We at Accident News Now extend well wishes to anyone injured in this collision. Any person that may have information about what happened should reach out to the police. A thorough investigation must be conducted for the sake of all who have lost so much.
Do you need more information about an accident that took place in Bakersfield? There are a number of laws designed to protect your rights. Our team of personal injury attorneys are here to answer any questions that you may have. Whether you just have legal questions or need more information about an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (866) 945-4286.
