A trip on the long, straight roads of rural Kern County can be a frightening proposition, especially when approaching an intersection at night. Drivers may have the right-of-way at a two-way stop sign, but they must trust that the approaching driver who has a stop sign will notice the sign and make a full stop.
When a stop sign is ignored, neither driver involved may think to brake to prevent a full-speed impact. Victims can suffer severe injuries and lives can easily be placed in jeopardy.
Two Tragically Killed in Bakersfield Stop Sign Intersection Accident
Two victims lost their lives and three people were injured after a collision at a two-way stop sign in northern Kern County. KGET-TV reported the accident occurred early Sunday morning sometime before 2 a.m. outside of Delano on August 7, 2022.
The California Highway Patrol says the two-vehicle collision occurred at the intersection of Highway 155/Garces Highway and Melcher Road. Investigators found that the 17-year-old male driver of a Dodge on Melcher Road failed to stop at a stop sign. The Dodge continued through the intersection to T-bone a Kia traveling on the Garces Highway.
The driver of the Kia, a 33-year-old man, and a 31-year-old female passenger were tragically pronounced dead at the scene. They were both from Bakersfield.
The 17-year-old male driver of the Kia and a 17-year-old male passenger, both from Delano, were taken to the hospital. A 21-year-old female passenger from Bakersfield was also rushed to Kern Medical. Their injuries were categorized as being from moderate to major.
The California Highway Patrol continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident. Authorities believe alcohol or drugs may have been a factor.
Support for Victims and Their Families After a Delano Accident
For families who have lost a loved one in an accident, a wrongful death claim can provide financial safeguards for close relatives as they grieve.
A spouse, children, and other loved ones of the deceased will face the incredible costs of a funeral, and ambulance and emergency response fees. An at-fault driver’s insurance company can be called upon in a wrongful death lawsuit to provide relief to a family forced to endure such a tragedy.
This civil claim must also ask for help supporting the family in the years ahead when the deceased will no longer be able to provide financial support through a weekly paycheck.
For surviving victims of a car accident, an at-fault driver’s car insurance provider can be asked for support for many hardships victims face in recovery. The medical bills built up during a hospital stay should all be covered. The time a patient loses at their office or job site must also be part of the compensation involved. The physical pain and emotional trauma victims are put through should also earn support.
Contact a Kern County Car Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one was the victim of a careless driver, don’t allow insurance adjusters to determine how much support your family should receive. They work for their insurance company and want to save money for their shareholders. Your family’s financial security after a devastating accident is much more important than their profits.
To make sure your family is protected from an insurance company’s bad faith practices, contact an experienced Kern County Car Accident Lawyer such as Martin Gasparian for a free case consultation. Mr. Gasparian works closely with victims and families to earn them the compensation they’ll need to safeguard themselves as they try to rebuild their lives.
