[05-29-2024] Kern County, CA – One Person Killed, Another Hospitalized Following Multi-Vehicle Crash on Highway 65

One person was killed, and another was hospitalized following a multi-vehicle crash in Delano on Wednesday night, May 29, 2024.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the collision occurred around 6:22 p.m. along Highway 65, south of Sherwood Avenue, east of Delano.

Authorities stated that three vehicles, including a Toyota, a Dodge, and a Chevrolet, were involved in the crash. Initial investigation showed that the male driver of the Toyota, as well as his 18-year-old female passenger, was heading northbound along the southbound lanes of Highway 65 in an attempt to pass northbound traffic.

Meanwhile, the 50-year-old Bakersfield man driving a Dodge was traveling southbound on Highway 65 when his vehicle collided head-on with the Toyota. The Chevrolet traveling southbound behind the Dodge also crashed into the Toyota, resulting in significant vehicle damage.

Both the Toyota and the Dodge came to rest in a downhill embankment west of the roadway, while the Chevrolet came to rest in the southbound lanes. The driver of the Toyota was pronounced dead at the scene, and one person was transported to the hospital for treatment.

It is unknown what caused the collision. No additional details were provided.

The investigation continues.

Any witnesses with information are asked to call California Highway Patrol at (661) 396-6600.

Call Our Respected Car Accident Lawyers In Delano

If you or a loved one has been injured in a vehicular accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Obtain advice on your car accident case from one of our personal injury lawyers, supervised by Arash Khorsandi, Esq.

Avail a free consultation with our respected car accident lawyers in Delano, who will review your case, discuss the next steps, and examine all the variables that could affect the settlement amount.

Arash Law’s legal team has well-established careers and accolades in advocating for accident victims. The clients we have worked with have been awarded compensation totaling more than $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 Delano Car Accident

No one can predict a car crash or collision, 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, what not to do, and how best to protect your rights. You aren’t alone after a serious collision. Whether you are the injured victim or the family of a killed 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 with 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. The 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. If possible, take photos of the vehicles, license plates, and other vital details.
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 with 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 Lawyers – When you’re having trouble receiving updates from the authorities regarding your accident, give us a call at (888) 488-1391. Our car accident lawyers offer free consultations so you can discuss your car crash without risk or obligation. We can determine whether your case has merit, secure accident reports and other important documents for you, assist in negotiating with 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 is still a high number of accidents despite a decrease of 0.3% in 2021. There is an estimated total of 42,795 fatalities in 2022 alone.

In 2020, 3,847 people reportedly died in car accidents in California. Two vehicles were involved in most collisions (72% of all collisions and 71% of collisions that caused injuries). Angle collisions caused the most fatalities and injuries, with roughly 8,000 in 2020.

In Delano, 106 crashes either resulted in injuries or fatalities, according to data from the Transportation Injury Mapping System in 2023. With a population of 50,782, it is advisable to exercise caution when driving around the city.