Kern County, CA – On the morning of Monday, March 24, 2025, a collision with a big rig resulted in the death of 22-year-old Jessica Ledesma Sotelo, according to KBAK.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reports that the accident occurred at approximately 7:51 AM at the intersection of Stradley Avenue and Peterson Road.
Authorities state that Sotelo was driving a 2017 Honda Accord southbound on Stradley Avenue when she allegedly failed to stop at a posted stop sign at Peterson Road. Her vehicle struck the left side of a 2018 Volvo big rig driven by a 41-year-old man who was making a northbound turn onto Stradley Avenue.
Sotelo was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities determined she was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. The driver of the big rig remained on-site and was not injured.
CHP stated that alcohol and drugs do not appear to have been factors in the collision. This is an ongoing investigation.
Failure to Yield
In California, as in other states, “failure to yield” means that you didn’t give the right of way to the right person at the right time. As such, failure to yield or stop is closely related to the “right of way.” When a motorist fails to yield, stop or otherwise avoid an accident and causes a crash, he or she can be held liable for injuries and damages suffered by a victim.
Wrongful Death Claims & Comparative Liability
Determining fault in a collision can involve multiple factors, and under California’s Comparative Liability rule, several parties can share partial responsibility. Should someone else be found even partly responsible for the death, the family may be able to file a Wrongful Death claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance. This can provide compensation to help cover medical bills, funeral expenses, and the loss of income to support the family of the deceased.
California Truck Accident Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, contact a California Truck Accident Lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
