Kern County, CA – On the afternoon of Friday, July 24, 2026, a head-on collision resulted in the deaths of Janneth Guerrero, 55, and a 23-year-old man and left four others injured, according to KGET.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident took place around 4:00 PM on Highway 33 at Elkhorn Grade Road.
Authorities said the 23-year-old man was driving a 2005 Honda Civic northbound on Highway 33 when, for reasons still under investigation, he crossed into the southbound lane and collided with a 2022 Honda Accord driven by a 21-year-old man.
The Civic driver and his passenger, Guerrero, were pronounced dead at the scene. The Kern County Coroner’s Office formally identified Guerrero following her death. Three other passengers, along with the driver of the Accord, sustained major injuries.
Drugs and alcohol do not appear to have been factors in the crash. The investigation remains ongoing.
Kern County Car Accidents and Wrongful Death and Personal Injury Claims
California law follows the principle of comparative negligence. This means that even if a driver is found partially at fault for an accident, they or their surviving family members may still pursue compensation if the negligence of another party contributed to the crash. Investigators with California law enforcement examine factors such as roadway conditions and the circumstances of the collision to determine what role each party may have played.
The families of those who died may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim, while those injured in the crash may have the right to pursue a personal injury claim. These claims can provide compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to the accident.
Kern County Wrongful Death Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, on Highway 33 at Elkhorn Grade Road, contact a California wrongful death lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
