Two people were killed in a collision between a Honda and a semi-truck in Bakersfield on Saturday, September 20, 2025.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the crash occurred around 11:44 a.m. at the intersection of Highway 65 and Famoso Road.
A 76-year-old man driving a 2016 Honda Fit eastbound on Famoso Road failed to stop at a posted stop sign and entered the intersection, colliding with a southbound 2014 Freightliner tractor-trailer driven by a 55-year-old man. The Honda driver and his 66-year-old female passenger sustained fatal injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene.
The Freightliner driver suffered minor to moderate injuries and was transported to Kern Medical Hospital. CHP confirmed that alcohol and drugs were not factors in the crash. Both northbound and southbound lanes of Highway 65 were blocked as a result of the collision.
Authorities continue to investigate the crash.
Contact Our Truck Accident Lawyers In Bakersfield, CA
Intersection accidents involving large commercial trucks can result in serious injuries or fatalities, leaving families and loved ones facing emotional, physical, and financial challenges. Understanding potential legal options may help families make informed decisions after such a crash.
Our truck accident lawyers in Bakersfield can assist with reviewing official reports, coordinating with insurance providers, and explaining how compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages may be pursued. Early legal guidance from semi-truck accident attorneys may help families protect evidence and better understand the legal process.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an elderly driving accident involving a truck, call our tractor-trailer accident lawyers in Bakersfield at (888) 488-1391 or fill out our โDo I Have a Case?โ form for a free initial consultation.
What To Do After A Truck Accident In Bakersfield, CA
Failure to yield accidents involving commercial trucks can have severe consequences. When injuries are fatal, families and loved ones may face difficult decisions and challenges. Taking the right steps early can help protect legal rights and preserve critical evidence.
- Call 911 And Seek Medical Attention
Contact emergency services immediately so anyone injured receives prompt medical care. - Document The Scene And Vehicle Damage
If it is safe, take photographs of the crash scene, vehicles involved, and any visible injuries. Documentation may help support insurance and legal claims. - Collect Witness Information
Gather names and contact details of any witnesses. Their statements may help clarify how the collision occurred. - Consult Truck Accident Lawyers
An attorney can explain legal options, assist with insurance communications, and help preserve time-sensitive evidence. Early guidance may help families protect their rights and ensure the case is handled appropriately.
Truck Accident Statistics
Crashes involving large trucks continue to be especially dangerous for people in smaller vehicles. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI), most deaths in these crashes happen to occupants of passenger vehicles. Large trucks can weigh 20 to 30 times more than a standard car and have higher ground clearance, which increases the risk of underride collisions.
In 2023, 4,354 people were killed in crashes involving large trucks. Of these, 16 percent were truck occupants, 65 percent were people in cars or other passenger vehicles, and 17 percent were pedestrians, bicyclists, or motorcyclists. Compared to 2009, when truck-related fatalities were at their lowest since 1975, the total deaths in 2023 were 38 percent higher, with truck occupant fatalities up 58 percent.
These numbers show the ongoing risks posed by large trucks, particularly to occupants of smaller vehicles and other vulnerable road users, and highlight the importance of safety measures and awareness.