[02-01-2025] Kern County, CA – One Killed, Another Injured in Fiery Head-On Crash on Highway 43 Near Delano

One person was killed, and another sustained moderate injuries following a head-on crash on Highway 43 near Delano on Saturday night, February 1, 2025.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the collision occurred at approximately 10:55 p.m. just north of Cecil Avenue. A white Nissan and a white Tesla collided head-on, causing the Nissan to catch fire in the middle of the roadway.

Emergency responders arrived at the scene and found the driver of the Nissan deceased. The driver of the Tesla sustained moderate injuries and was transported to Kern Medical for treatment.

Northbound lanes of Highway 43 were temporarily shut down as authorities conducted an investigation. It is currently unknown if drugs or alcohol were factors in the crash.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Call Our Dedicated Delano Car Accident Lawyers

If you were injured or a loved one was tragically killed in a car accident, know that help is available. Our injury law firm can assist you in securing fair compensation for your injuries and losses.

Schedule a free consultation with our trusted Delano car accident lawyers, who will review your case, discuss the next steps, and examine all the variables that could affect your settlement amount. They can also assist you if obtaining further information or a police report proves challenging.

Our legal team has well-established careers and accolades for advocating for accident victims. The clients we have worked with have been awarded compensation totaling more than $750 million.

To speak with one of our lawyers, call (888) 488-1391 or fill out the “Do I Have a Case?” form.

What To Do After Sustaining Injuries In A Car Accident

Traffic accidents happen so suddenly and can easily overwhelm you. To safeguard your safety and legal rights, you must take the following steps if you are still able to:

1. Put Safety First — If possible, try to move your car to the side of the road away from traffic. To alert others, switch on your hazard lights as you wait for the police.
2. Stay Calm — Remain composed and attentive. Look for any injuries. When interacting with the other people involved in the crash, avoid apologizing or accepting blame for it.
3. Notify The Authorities — Call 911 and report the collision to the police. An official report detailing the accident will be created, which you can use to bolster your claim.
4. Collect Information — Exchange information with the other party, including names, contact details, and insurance information. Take pictures of the cars involved, as well as any damage, license plates, and injuries.
5. Don’t Accept Responsibility — Give the police a thorough explanation of the collision, but avoid saying anything that could be interpreted as an admission of fault.
6. Seek Medical Attention — Seek medical attention as quickly as possible, regardless of how minor the injuries seem. Certain symptoms might not show up right away. To support your claim, you will also need medical records.
7. Inform Your Insurance Company — Inform your insurance company about the accident. Follow their instructions on how to report the crash properly.
8. Avoid Dealing With Insurance Adjusters Alone — If the other party’s insurance adjuster gets in touch with you, provide them with only the basic information. Do not accept an offer or sign anything without acquiring legal counsel.
9. Keep Evidence Well-Documented — Ensure all relevant evidence, including the police report, medical bills, the other driver’s information, and medical records, are secured.
10. Call (888) 488-1391 — When bringing a personal injury claim, our highly-regarded personal injury attorneys can evaluate the merits of your case, negotiate with insurance companies, and offer you legal counsel throughout the process.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Car Accident Statistics

Most traffic-related deaths occur in accidents between motor vehicles, accounting for 43 percent of all motor vehicle-related fatalities in 2022, according to the National Safety Council. About 26% of these accidents involve collisions with fixed objects, such as trees. Rollovers and pedestrian accidents come in second.

Despite making up less than half of all traffic fatalities, motor vehicle crashes are responsible for 78% of all injuries, 71% of all crashes involving injuries, and 71% of all documented accidents. In 2022, there were 133 fatalities and injuries from motor vehicle accidents in Delano, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety.