Kern County, CA – On the evening of Sunday, December 21, 2025, a traffic collision involving a big rig carrying fuel resulted in fatal injuries to one person, according to KGET, with additional reporting from CHP Fatal.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident took place just after 8:00 PM on Highway 58 near Exit 172, close to Mojave.
Authorities stated that a vehicle was traveling erratically when it collided with the big rig, causing fuel to spill onto the roadway. Emergency responders arrived at the scene, but the occupant of the vehicle was pronounced dead due to injuries sustained in the collision. The CHP confirmed that the big rig jackknifed as a result of the impact, contributing to the severity of the incident and the temporary closure of the highway.
Police and emergency officials implemented a hard closure of Highway 58 while crews from the California Department of Transportation and hazardous materials teams managed the spilled fuel and debris. Approximately 170 gallons of diesel were reported to have entered the roadway, requiring a controlled cleanup to prevent environmental hazards.
Investigators noted that the erratic vehicle had been observed swerving across lanes and briefly traveling the wrong way before colliding with the big rig. Officials emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing to determine the circumstances leading to the fatal crash.
All lanes on Highway 58 were later reopened, but authorities indicated that hazardous materials crews would return to complete additional cleanup of debris and spilled fuel.
Wrongful Death Claims & Comparative Negligence
Determining fault in a collision can involve multiple factors, and under California’s Comparative Negligence 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.
Bakersfield Truck Accident Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, contact a Bakersfield Truck Accident Lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
