Minor Injured in Hit-and-Run Collision on Planz Road [Bakersfield, CA]

Bakersfield, CA (May 12, 2025) — The Bakersfield Police Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying a driver involved in a hit-and-run collision on Planz Road that injured a juvenile riding a motorized mini-bike in Bakersfield.

Investigators said the collision happened around 10:05 p.m. on April 15 near the 600 block of Planz Road, east of South Chester Avenue.

According to police, the suspect vehicle was traveling south on Union Avenue before turning west onto Planz Road, where it struck the juvenile from behind. Authorities believe the vehicle involved was a light gray Dodge Charger with chrome rims.

After the crash, the driver fled westbound on Planz Road and then headed north on South Chester Avenue without stopping.

The juvenile victim suffered moderate injuries in the collision.

Police continue to investigate and urge anyone with information about the driver or vehicle to contact Investigator C. Mejia or the Bakersfield Police Department.

Do The Right Thing. Stay. Help. Take Responsibility.

A hit-and-run is not just a crime, but a devastating act of cowardice leaving victims injured, scared, and sometimes fighting for their lives. If you’re involved in a traffic accident, stop immediately. Call 911. Help those who are hurt.

Remember that fleeing the scene only worsens the situation and carries serious legal consequences, including felony charges. Victims deserve accountability and justice.

Hit-and-run crashes can leave injured victims without immediate help when they need it most. Drivers should always remain at the scene, contact emergency responders, and cooperate with investigators after any collision.

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File a Personal Injury Claim in Case of Hit-and-Run Crash

A personal injury claim following a traffic collision is a legal process that allows an injured party to seek compensation for physical, emotional, and financial harm caused by the accident. These claims arise when a driver’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional actions lead to an accident resulting in injuries.

The first step in pursuing a personal injury claim is to establish fault. This normally involved gathering evidence such as police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and photographs of the accident scene. A skilled attorney from Sweet Lawyers can help establish who was responsible for the accident, which is indeed, necessary for determining liability.

Once fault is established, the injured party can then pursue compensation for damages which may include but are not limited to medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. Consequently, medical documentation and expert testimony are essential for proving the extent of the injuries and their impact on the victim’s life.

Meanwhile, it’s important to note that the statute of limitations, or the time frame within which a personal injury claim must be filed, varies by state. Meaning if a claim is not filed within this window, the victim and the family of the victim may lose the right to seek compensation.

A personal injury claim in case of a traffic collision can be complex, but it offers an essential avenue that helps the victims to recover damages and hold negligent drivers accountable.

Speak With Our Legal Team

Consult with Sweet Lawyers’ personal injury attorneys and let us get the maximum compensation for you.

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