[04-26-2025] Kern County, CA – Passenger Killed, Driver Injured In Collision Involving Pickup Truck And Semi on Highway 58 Near Bena Road

A passenger was killed and a driver was injured following a crash between a pickup truck and a semi-truck trailer in Bakersfield early Saturday morning, April 26, 2025.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the collision occurred around 3:43 a.m. on Highway 58 near Bena Road.

A Mazda pickup truck, occupied by a driver and a passenger, was traveling eastbound on Highway 58 when it approached the rear of a semi-truck trailer traveling uphill in the #2 lane.

The driver of the pickup was unable to slow down in time and crashed into the back of the semi’s trailer. The passenger in the pickup truck was pronounced dead at the scene, while the driver suffered moderate injuries and was transported to Kern Medical for treatment.

CHP stated that alcohol and drugs were factors in the crash. The crash remains under investigation.

Contact Our Award-Winning DUI Accident Lawyers In Bakersfield, CA

Despite strict laws and ongoing public awareness campaigns, drunk driving accidents continue to cause devastating injuries and loss of life each year. These preventable collisions often leave victims coping with severe injuries, long-term impairments, or the heartbreaking loss of a loved one. If you or someone close to you has been harmed by an impaired driver, our Bakersfield DUI accident attorneys are here to help.

Our legal team will thoroughly assess your case, explain your available legal options, and gather critical evidence such as police reports, medical documentation, and witness statements to build a strong claim on your behalf. With more than $750 million recovered in verdicts and settlements for injury victims, Arash Law is recognized for achieving successful results even in the most challenging cases.

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What To Do After a DUI Accident In Bakersfield, CA

Taking the right steps after a DUI accident is crucial to protecting your health, preserving evidence, and strengthening your legal claim. Here is what you should do:

1. Prioritize Your Safety
   Move to a safe location if you are able. Quickly assess your injuries before checking on others involved in the accident.
2. Call Emergency Services
   Call 911 to report the crash and request medical assistance. Immediate reporting also helps law enforcement locate the impaired driver if they attempt to flee.
3. Avoid Confrontation With The Driver
   Do not argue with or approach the intoxicated driver. Their behavior may be erratic or dangerous. Wait for police officers to intervene.
4. Document Everything You Can
   Take clear photos and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, visible injuries, debris, and any skid marks. Every detail could support your claim later.
5. Speak With Witnesses
   Ask witnesses to stay and provide statements to the police. Be sure to collect their names and contact information for follow-up.
6. Get A Full Medical Evaluation
   Visit a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries, such as internal trauma or head injuries, may not show immediate symptoms.
7. Contact An Experienced DUI Accident Attorney
   Legal guidance is essential after a DUI crash. Our Bakersfield DUI accident lawyers can help you build a strong case, protect your rights, and handle communications with insurance companies from the start.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

DUI Accident Statistics

Drunk driving remains a major cause of fatal traffic collisions in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) National Center for Statistics and Analysis, 11,654 fatalities in 2020 were linked to alcohol-impaired drivers, accounting for 30 percent of all traffic-related deaths nationwide. This figure represented a 14.3 percent increase from 2019, which recorded 10,196 fatalities.

On average, a life was lost to drunk driving every 45 minutes in 2020. Drivers between the ages of 21-24 and 25-34 made up the highest percentages of impaired drivers in fatal crashes, with each group contributing to 26 percent of such incidents.

When comparing vehicle types, motorcycle riders had the highest rate of alcohol impairment in fatal crashes at 27 percent, followed by passenger car drivers at 23 percent, light truck drivers at 19 percent, and large truck drivers at 3 percent.

Among young victims, 21 percent of the 1,093 traffic fatalities involving children aged 14 and younger in 2020 were connected to alcohol-impaired drivers. Furthermore, 67 percent of all DUI-related fatalities involved drivers with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.15 g/dL or higher, nearly double the legal limit.

Fatal DUI crashes were also far more likely to happen at night, occurring 3.1 times more often compared to daytime hours.