[09-17-2025] Kern County, CA – At Least One Killed in Crash on Southbound I-5 Near Mettler in Bakersfield

At least one person was killed in a crash involving a vehicle and a semi-truck on the southbound lanes of Interstate 5 near Mettler in Bakersfield on Wednesday, September 17, 2025.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the vehicle was traveling at approximately 100 miles per hour when, around 3:11 a.m., it collided with a semi-truck. The Kern County coroner was called about 30 minutes later.

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of the collision.

Contact Our Truck Accident Lawyers In Bakersfield, CA

Truck accidents can result in serious injuries or fatalities, often leaving families and loved ones facing physical, emotional, and financial challenges. Learning about possible legal options may help families make informed decisions after such a collision.

Our truck accident lawyers in Bakersfield can help you explore legal avenues following a serious truck accident. Support may include reviewing official reports, assisting with insurance communications, and explaining the process of pursuing compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Early legal guidance may help families better understand the complexities that can follow these types of incidents.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a semi-truck accident, call our truck crash lawyers in Bakersfield at (888) 488-1391 or fill out our “Do I Have a Case?” form for a free initial consultation.

What To Do After A Truck Accident In Bakersfield, CA

Truck accidents can have serious consequences. When injuries are severe or result in a fatality, families and loved ones may face difficult decisions and challenges. Taking the right steps can help protect legal rights and preserve important evidence.

1. Call 911 And Seek Medical Attention
   Contact emergency services immediately to ensure anyone injured receives prompt medical care. Even injuries that seem minor should be evaluated to rule out hidden conditions.
2. Document The Scene And Vehicle Damage
   If it is safe, take photographs of the crash scene, vehicles involved, and any visible injuries. This documentation may be valuable for insurance and legal purposes.
3. Collect Witness Information
   Gather names and contact details of any witnesses. Their statements may help clarify the circumstances surrounding the accident.
4. Consult Personal Injury Lawyers
   Personal injury lawyers in Bakersfield can explain possible legal options, assist with insurance communications, and help preserve time-sensitive evidence. Early legal guidance may help ensure that families’ rights are protected and that the case is handled appropriately.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Truck Accident Statistics

Large trucks are essential for transporting goods, but their size and weight make collisions more dangerous than those involving smaller vehicles. In 2023, there were 5,375 fatal crashes involving large trucks across the United States, an 8.4 percent decrease from 2022.

Even with this recent decline, fatal truck crashes have risen by 43 percent over the past ten years. This shows that while short-term improvements have occurred, the long-term trend indicates a steady increase in deadly crashes involving large trucks.