Kings County, CA – In the early hours of Thursday, March 19, 2026, a three-vehicle collision near Laton resulted in two fatalities and injuries to others, according to KSEE/KGPE.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident took place around 11:00 PM on 12 3/4 Avenue south of Douglas Avenue.
Authorities said a man driving a 2022 Dodge Charger was traveling northbound in the southbound lane of 12 3/4 Avenue at a high rate of speed. At the same time, a man driving a 2017 GMC Sierra was traveling northbound in the northbound lane directly to the right of the Dodge, also at a high rate of speed. A woman driving a 2012 Mitsubishi Galant was traveling southbound in the southbound lane, approaching the Dodge head-on.
The driver of the Dodge, upon seeing the Mitsubishi approaching, turned right and collided directly into the GMC. The right side of the Dodge struck the left side of the GMC, after which the Dodge also struck the left side of the Mitsubishi. The force of the collisions sent both the Dodge and the GMC into a dirt field. The GMC overturned, ejecting the driver and both passengers.
The driver of the GMC and one passenger were pronounced dead at the scene. The remaining passenger sustained moderate injuries and was transported to Community Regional Medical Center for treatment. The drivers of the Dodge and the Mitsubishi were treated at the scene. The investigation remains ongoing.
Ongoing Investigations
Victims of traffic accidents and their families should be aware that authorities may fail to note or even misinterpret critical evidence at a crash site. One of the services that a Personal Injury Attorney can provide is to pursue follow-up investigations, which can reveal additional evidence to correct any errors made by previous investigators.
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.
California Wrongful Death Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, contact a California Wrongful Death Lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
