David Cortez Dead, Christian Valencia Arrested after DUI Accident on H Street [Bakersfield, CA]

David Cortez Dead, Christian Valencia Arrested after DUI Accident on H Street [Bakersfield, CA]

David Cortez Dead, Christian Valencia Arrested after DUI Accident on H Street [Bakersfield, CA]

David Cortez Dead, Christian Valencia Arrested after DUI Accident on H Street [Bakersfield, CA]

39-Year-Old Wasco Man Killed in Fatal Collision on Planz Road

BAKERSFIELD, CA (May 17, 2022) – Early Saturday morning, 39-year-old David Cortez lost his life in a DUI collision on H Street.

The accident occurred around 12:30 a.m., in the area of South H Street and Planz Road.

Per reports, 25-year-old Christian Valencia was driving recklessly in the area. For DUI related reasons, Valencia eventually collided with a vehicle driven by Cortez.

Responding medics arrived and pronounced Cortez dead at the scene. Meanwhile, medical personnel took Valencia to a local hospital for treatment of his injuries.

California Highway Patrol officers suspected Valencia was under the influence at the time of the crash. As a result, authorities arrested Valencia with DUI and vehicular manslaughter after his release from the hospital.

Meantime, Bakersfield Police continue to ask anyone with information about the crash to reach them at (661) 327-7111.


Our deepest condolences are with the loved ones and friends of David Cortez. May you find comfort and strength during this difficult time.


It is important to have strong legal representation on your side when losing a loved one in a car accident. Reach out to the wrongful death attorneys at Sweet James today. With 20 years of experience in the field, we know what it takes to help you win your case. Our team understands that nothing can alleviate the emotional pain of a death of a loved one, but we can help you seek justice and compensation. Call us at (800) 975-3435 for a free and confidential case evaluation. You can reach us 24 hours a day and 7 days a week through email, text, and online chat. Click here to request a police report.


Free Police Report

If you or your family are involved or affected by this accident and would like the official Police Report of this incident, Sweet James may be able to help.

"*" indicates required fields

Name*
Consent
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

By clicking the "Receive Police Report" button, you consent for Sweet James LLP, its service provider(s) & affiliates to use automated technology, including calls, texts, and prerecorded messages to contact you at the number and email provided. I understand I am not required to sign or agree to this as a condition of services. Clicking the button "Receive Police Report" below constitutes your electronic signature and certifies the information provided is yours.