[09-15-2025] Kern County, CA – Man Killed in Two-Vehicle Crash on Interstate 5 North of Rowlee Road Near Buttonwillow

A 24-year-old man from North Hollywood was killed in a two-vehicle collision on northbound Interstate 5 north of Rowlee Road near Buttonwillow in Kern County on Monday afternoon, September 15, 2025.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the crash occurred around 12:02 p.m. A 24-year-old man was driving a 2025 Ram 1500 pickup northbound when a 45-year-old man from La Puente, driving a 2010 Toyota Corolla southbound, veered into the northbound lane via the dirt center median. The front of the Toyota collided with the left front of the Ram pickup. The Toyota continued onto the east dirt shoulder.

The driver of the Ram pickup was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Toyota sustained moderate injuries and was transported to Kern Medical. CHP reported that drugs and alcohol do not appear to be factors in the crash.

Authorities continue to investigate the collision.

Contact Our Car Accident Lawyers In Kern County, CA

Car 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 car accident lawyers in Kern County can help you explore legal avenues following a serious car 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 fatal car accident, call us at (888) 488-1391 or fill out our “Do I Have a Case?” form for a free initial consultation.

What To Do After A Car Accident In Kern County, CA

Car 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 how the collision occurred.
4. Consult Personal Injury Lawyers
   Personal injury lawyers in Kern County can explain possible legal options, assist with insurance communications, and help preserve time-sensitive evidence. Early legal guidance from traffic accident lawyers may help ensure that families’ rights are protected and that the case is handled appropriately.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Car Accident Statistics

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that traffic deaths fell for the fifth straight quarter during the first half of 2023. About 19,515 people died in motor vehicle crashes, a 3.3 percent decrease from the 20,190 fatalities recorded in the same period in 2022. This decline occurred in both the first and second quarters of 2023.

Preliminary data also shows that people drove more, with vehicle miles traveled (VMT) increasing by 2.3 percent, or roughly 35.1 billion additional miles. Despite this increase in driving, traffic deaths went down, bringing the fatality rate to 1.24 deaths per 100 million VMT, lower than the projected rate of 1.31 deaths.