A 57-year-old man was killed following a head-on crash involving two vehicles on Weedpatch Highway in Bakersfield on Friday night, April 18, 2025.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the incident occurred around 10:05 p.m. at the intersection of Weedpatch Highway and Wilson Road.
A preliminary investigation revealed that the man was driving a Ford southbound when, for reasons still unknown, he veered into the northbound lane.
The Ford collided head-on with a Toyota driven by a 39-year-old man traveling northbound. The 57-year-old Ford driver was pronounced dead at the scene. The Toyota driver sustained minor injuries and was transported to Kern Medical for treatment.
Authorities have not determined whether drugs or alcohol contributed to the crash. The investigation is ongoing.
Call Our Trusted Car Accident Lawyers In Bakersfield, CA
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation. At Arash Law, our experienced personal injury attorneys, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., are here to provide the legal support you need.
Our trusted Bakersfield car accident lawyers will carefully evaluate your case, guide you through the next steps, and assess all factors that could affect your settlement. If you need assistance obtaining a police report or additional documentation, we are here to help.
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What To Do After A Car Accident In Bakersfield, CA
A car accident can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, leaving you unsure of what to do next. Taking the right steps after a crash is essential to protect your health, safety, and legal rights.
If you are involved in an accident in Bakersfield, knowing what to do can help strengthen your claim and improve your chances of securing fair compensation.
- Remain at the scene and check everyone’s condition. First, check yourself for injuries, then others. Stay composed and try to regain your calm.
- If possible, move your vehicle to the side of the road, turn on your emergency flashers to alert other drivers, and find a safe place to wait for the police.
- Report your accident to the authorities as soon as possible. The police will document the incident and gather information for an official record.
- Share names, phone numbers, and insurance details with the other driver(s). If possible, take photos of the vehicles, license plates, and other critical details.
- When talking to the police or others involved, avoid admitting fault or apologizing. Stick to the facts when describing the incident.
- Visit a hospital or your primary doctor immediately. Prompt medical care can help mitigate injury effects and identify internal injuries.
- California insurers have deadlines for reporting accidents. Contact your insurer promptly and follow the agent’s instructions.
- You may receive a call from the other party’s insurer soon after the accident. Be cautious with the information you share. Do not record statements or accept settlement offers before consulting an attorney.
- Keep all accident-related documents, including police reports, medical bills, and other important information, organized in a file.
- If in doubt, call us at (888) 488-1391 for a free consultation. We can assess your case, assist with insurance communications, and help you file a personal injury claim if necessary. Our California car accident lawyers are here to support you and address your concerns.
Car Accident Statistics
Traffic accidents continue to be a major public safety concern, resulting in thousands of injuries and fatalities each year. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), 1,715 people were killed or injured in traffic accidents in Bakersfield in 2022. Of these victims, 136 were pedestrians, 282 cases involved alcohol, and 214 were linked to excessive speeding.
On a national scale, the National Safety Council (NSC) estimated 44,450 fatal crashes in 2023, reflecting a 4% decrease from 2022, when 46,270 fatalities occurred due to motor vehicle accidents. Collisions between motor vehicles remain the most frequent type of crash, accounting for 43% of all traffic incidents and 63% of all traffic-related injuries. Among fatal crashes, angle collisions led to approximately 9,000 deaths, followed by head-on collisions, which resulted in an estimated 5,900 fatalities.