Bakersfield, CA – In the early morning of Saturday, April 26, 2025, a collision involving a big rig and a sedan resulted in a fatality on State Route 58 East, according to CHP Fatal.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident took place near the on-ramp for Bena Road onto eastbound State Route 58, around 3:35 AM.
Authorities confirmed that a white big rig was rear-ended by a sedan. The sedan caught fire following the crash, and the driver was found to be trapped inside the vehicle. Emergency responders arrived at the scene shortly after the crash, but the driver of the sedan was later confirmed dead.
The incident led to significant traffic disruptions, with authorities setting up road closures and rerouting traffic around the scene. Investigators are working to determine the exact cause of the crash and whether excessive speed or reckless driving played a role.
The California Highway Patrol continues to investigate the fatal collision. No additional details, including the identities of the involved parties, have been released at this time.
Wrongful Death Claims & Comparative Negligence
Determining fault in a collision can involve multiple factors, and under California’s Comparative Negligence rule, several parties can share partial responsibility. Should someone else be found even partly responsible for the death, the family may be able to file a Wrongful Death claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance. This can provide compensation to help cover medical bills, funeral expenses, and the loss of income to support the family of the deceased.
