Kern County, CA – On the afternoon of Monday, April 13, 2026, a collision resulted in at least one fatality, according to KBAK, with additional reporting from CHP Fatal.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident took place around 5:08 PM at the Highway 14 and Highway 58 junction, near the 167 exit.
Authorities said a white Mazda and a Toyota Corolla collided in the area where vehicles were merging, with one vehicle struck broadside by another that was traveling southbound. A male occupant was found unconscious at the scene. Kern County Fire Department personnel responded to the incident.
A white Buick SUV with major front-end damage and a non-functioning front driver-side wheel was also identified in connection with the crash and was towed from the scene. A tow was subsequently requested for the Toyota Corolla as well.
Caltrans was notified and a lane closure was implemented on Highway 14 from Highway 58 to the northern junction with Business Route 58 in Mojave, with no estimated time of reopening as of 8:23 PM.
The identity of the deceased was to be released by the Kern County Coroner’s Office at a later time. The cause of the collision remained under investigation, and the investigation remains ongoing.
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 Car Accident Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, contact a Bakersfield car accident lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
