[02-18-2025] Kern County, CA – 62-Year-Old Woman Killed After Collision with Semi-Truck on Highway 178 in Lake Isabella

A 62-year-old woman, identified as Donna S., died after a fatal collision involving a semi-truck on Highway 178 in Lake Isabella, Kern County, on Tuesday afternoon, February 18, 2025.

According to the California Highway Patrol, at around 12:15 p.m., the woman was driving a 2019 Subaru eastbound on Highway 178, east of Lake Isabella Boulevard, when she lost control while navigating a curve.

The Subaru veered off the roadway, hit multiple signs, and then crossed into the westbound lanes, colliding with a 2021 International semi-truck traveling at approximately 45 mph.

The woman was transported to Kern Valley Hospital, where she was later pronounced dead. The driver of the semi-truck reported back pain but did not require hospitalization.

The CHP is investigating the cause of the collision.

Call The Trusted Kern County Accident Lawyers Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a traffic accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Our experienced personal injury attorneys, led by the highly regarded Arash Khorsandi, Esq., are here to provide legal guidance and help you navigate your claim.

Take advantage of a free initial consultation with our skilled Kern County truck accident attorneys, who will assess your case, explain the next steps, and consider all factors that may impact your settlement. If you need assistance obtaining a police report or additional case-related information, our team is ready to help.

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What To Do After A Truck Accident In Kern County

If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, staying at the scene and waiting for authorities and medical personnel is crucial. If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location off the road to prevent further collisions. Once you’ve gathered evidence to support your truck accident claim, notify your insurance provider and reach out to our award-winning law firm for legal assistance.

Follow this step-by-step guide to protect your rights and strengthen your case after a truck accident:

1. Move vehicles to the shoulder of the road. If possible and safe, after documenting the scene by taking pictures and videos, move your vehicle to the shoulder and turn on your hazard lights to alert other motorists. If moving the vehicles is not possible or safe, follow the instructions of emergency responders.
2. Contact emergency responders and immediately seek medical attention. Even if you think you were uninjured, let the emergency personnel examine you, as some injuries may appear days later. Records of medical visits, diagnosis, treatment, medications, and related expenses are valuable for building a strong case.
3. Gather information from other drivers involved. Whenever possible, exchange all necessary information with the other drivers involved in the crash. This includes each party’s name, contact number, license number, plate number, insurance provider, and policy number.
4. If you are able, take photos and videos of the scene. Take as many pictures and videos as possible, documenting the state of your car, the other vehicles involved, any nearby objects like skid marks and guardrails, and even conversations or interactions with other people.
5. Take photos of your injuries. Taking pictures of the injuries you or others have sustained is one essential way to document the damages you have incurred.
6. Obtain witness testimonies. When an accident occurs, many individuals are usually around to help out. Exchange as much information as you can with them to strengthen your case.
7. Notify your insurance provider about the accident. Don’t feel obligated to provide any official or recorded statements right away. Your financial recovery could be negatively impacted if you confess fault for the accident or allow yourself to be misled into doing so.
8. Do not admit fault. This is one of the common mistakes people tend to make following any vehicular accident. Stick only to the facts of what happened when speaking with a police officer. Be as detailed as possible in your description of the collision.
9. Keep a journal. Doing so will help you remember every thought and emotion you have experienced throughout the whole recovery process. Tracking how long it took you to improve after an accident is crucial evidence for any personal injury claim.
10. Contact the skilled California truck accident lawyers at Arash Law. Our lawyers go beyond finding simple and quick settlements. They identify all liable parties to get you the most money back. Furthermore, our team answers the questions and concerns of many victims.

If you’re having trouble securing the accident report from the authorities or an insurer keeps on calling you about the accident, our California truck accident lawyers can assist you in communicating with them.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Truck Accidents Statistics

In 2022, collisions involving large trucks resulted in 4,764 fatalities, according to the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS). Of these deaths, 17% were truck occupants, 66% were occupants of passenger vehicles, and 16% were pedestrians, bicyclists, or motorcyclists.

Large truck crashes accounted for 11% of all motor vehicle crash fatalities that year. Among these, 73% occurred in crashes involving tractor-trailers, while 28% involved single-unit trucks. In some cases, both a tractor-trailer and a single-unit truck were part of the same collision.

As for the locations of these fatal incidents, nearly half (49%) occurred on major roads, excluding interstates and freeways, 35% took place on interstates and freeways, and 16% happened on minor roads.