(Bakersfield, CA) A young child died following a Panama Lane DUI crash on Sunday morning in southeast Bakersfield that left several family members injured and led to the arrest of a 20-year-old driver.
On Sunday, September 28, at around 7:41 a.m., Bakersfield police officers responded to a crash at Cottonwood Road and East Panama Lane. Officers located a black sedan and a white SUV involved in a violent collision in the 2600 block of East Panama Lane. Investigators determined that both vehicles were traveling westbound when the sedan rear-ended the SUV at high speed. The impact caused the SUV to overturn and the sedan to leave the roadway, crashing into a nearby vineyard.
Inside the SUV, a woman and her seven-month-old baby sustained minor to moderate injuries. A six-year-old passenger, identified by family as Azmeret, suffered critical injuries and was flown to Orange County Children’s Hospital. Tragically, Azmeret died the following morning.
The driver of the sedan, 20-year-old Cesar Magana, showed signs of impairment and was arrested. He now faces charges including gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. The Panama Lane DUI crash remains under investigation as the community rallies around the grieving family.
Legal Analysis on the Panama Lane DUI Crash
This case raises several serious legal issues under California law, particularly when DUI and the death of a child are involved. First, Vehicle Code 23152 makes it unlawful to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If impairment is proven, Magana’s actions constitute both a crime and strong grounds for civil liability.
Next, because this crash resulted in a death, Vehicle Code 23153 may also apply. This law elevates DUI cases to a felony when intoxicated driving causes injury or death. Police have already indicated that charges include gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, one of the most serious DUI-related offenses in California. Additionally, Vehicle Code 22350 requires drivers to operate at a speed reasonable for conditions. Driving at high speeds while impaired magnifies negligence and directly links the driver’s conduct to the tragedy.
What the Family Can Do
For the family of Azmeret, this loss is devastating beyond words. They may pursue a wrongful death claim, which could provide compensation for funeral costs, medical bills, emotional suffering, and the long-term loss of companionship.
The mother and infant also have the right to file personal injury claims for their physical injuries and emotional trauma. Because the driver faces DUI and manslaughter charges, their civil case may be stronger and supported by the criminal findings.
Insurance may cover some damages, but in DUI crashes involving serious injury or death, pursuing direct legal action against the impaired driver is often necessary. A GoFundMe has already been created for the family, but legal remedies can provide longer-term support.
Time is critical in these cases. Preserving police reports, toxicology results, and witness testimony will help ensure accountability. Speaking with an experienced attorney can guide the family through this difficult process. The Panama Lane DUI crash that claimed the life of six-year-old Azmeret is a heartbreaking reminder of how impaired driving destroys lives, leaving families forever changed and in search of justice.
We at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the family of the victim. We know this is a difficult time as you mourn the tragic and sudden loss of a loved one. If you have any concerns about navigating the legal process surrounding this horrible incident, call 866-883-4318 to speak with a lawyer.
