[12-29-2023] Kern County, CA – Four People Killed Following Two-Vehicle Collision Along Highway 14 Near Inyokern

Four people were killed following a two-vehicle collision near Inyokern, Kern County, on Friday evening, December 29, 2023.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the fatal collision happened around 8:41 p.m. along Highway 14, south of Horse Canyon Road.

Reports indicate that a Jeep driven by a 23-year-old named Taylor R. collided with a Mercedes driven by a 61-year-old named Gregg S., who was attempting to pass another vehicle.

The 23-year-old Huntington Beach resident and her 27-year-old passenger, Rami A., were declared dead, along with the 61-year-old Lancaster resident and a 56-year-old passenger named Ronald D. of Los Angeles.

The 24-year-old sister of Taylor R. survived with serious injuries and was transported to Antelope Valley Medical Center. Her condition remains undisclosed.

The authorities are currently conducting an investigation into the cause of the fatal collision. Anyone with information is urged to call the authorities.

Award-winning Car Accident Attorneys in Kern County

If another driver’s negligence caused wrongful death or injuries to you or a family member, you may be able to sue for damages. Seek legal advice from our personal injury lawyers right away through our initial free consultation.

During our consultation, one of our experienced lawyers will review your case, discuss the next steps, and examine all the variables that could affect the settlement amount.

You can count on our award-winning Kern County car accident attorneys, under the supervision of Arash Khorsandi, Esq., at Arash Law. Our legal team has well-established careers and accolades in advocating for accident victims. The clients we have worked with have been awarded compensation totaling $750 Million.

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

What To Do After a Car Accident in Kern County

No one can predict a car accident, but you can prepare for one. Having a car accident checklist in your glove box can help you stay calm and organized after a car crash. It can tell you what to do and what not to do, and how best to protect your rights. When in doubt, give us a call. Keep our phone number, (888) 488-1391, in your phone or written down in case the worst occurs. You aren’t alone after a serious collision. Whether you are the injured victim or the family of a deceased loved one, here’s what to do after a car accident:

1. Stay Calm – Stay on the scene and make sure everyone is okay. Check yourself for injuries first, and then check others. Remain calm, and do not admit fault.
2. Get to a Safe Location – Move disabled vehicles to the side of the road if you can. Put your emergency flashers on to help prevent further collisions. Get somewhere safe to wait for the police.
3. Call 911 – Call the police to report your accident. Unless your crash was very minor, with no injuries or property damage, you should call the cops. Police can document the incident, gather information, and make it part of an official record.
4. Exchange Information – Swap names, phone numbers, and insurance information with the other driver(s) involved in the accident. Take photos of the vehicles, license plates, and other vital details if possible.
5. Do Not Admit Fault – 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.
6. Seek Medical Attention – Go to the hospital or your primary doctor as soon as possible. Immediate medical care can help reduce the damage you suffer from injuries. Tests and scans can identify internal injuries that may not show symptoms yet.
7. Report to Your Insurance Company – Most insurers have time limits for how soon you must report an accident in California. Call quickly and follow the agent’s directions for reporting your crash.
8. Speak to Insurance Adjusters – As soon as the day of your accident, you may receive a phone call from the other party’s insurance company. You may speak to the claims adjuster but do not give away any more information than is absolutely necessary. Do not record a statement or accept an insurance settlement offer until you speak to an attorney.
9. Create a File – Keep accident-related documents together and organized. Your file should include a copy of the police report, medical bills, the other driver’s information, injury treatment plans, and any other documents you’ve collected regarding the incident.
10. Call Our Car Accident Law Firm at (888) 488-1391 – We offer free consultations so you can discuss your car crash without risk or obligation. We can determine whether your case has merit, help you talk to insurance companies, and assist you in filing a personal injury claim if necessary.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Fatal Car Accident Statistics

In the US, car crashes cause the most accidental deaths and injuries. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are 42,795 fatalities in 2022 alone.

The state of California saw 3,847 fatal vehicle collisions in 2020. About 59% or 2,260 fatalities resulted from accidents involving only one vehicle. A total of 1,587 deaths, or 41% of all fatalities, resulted from collisions involving two or more vehicles.

Two vehicles were involved in most collisions (72% of all collisions, 71% of collisions that caused injuries, and 77% of all injuries). Angle collisions caused the most fatalities and injuries, with roughly 8,000 in 2020.

In Kern County, 3,641 victims were either injured or killed in a crash, according to the data from the Transportation Injury Mapping System in 2022. With a population of 907,324 people, it is advisable to exercise caution when driving around the city.