Bakersfield, CA – In the early hours of Monday, July 27, 2026, a collision with a big rig resulted in the death of Tristen Scott Moore, 23, according to KGET, with additional reporting from CHP Fatal.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident took place around 12:36 AM on northbound Highway 99 north of Famoso Road.
Authorities said Moore’s white sedan was stopped in the number one lane before it began moving and collided with a big rig. The sedan went to the right shoulder and began smoking, with a possible fire starting.
Moore was declared dead at the scene. The coroner was notified and responded with an estimated arrival of 30 minutes to an hour.
A SigAlert was issued closing the number three lane and an off-ramp on northbound Highway 99 south of the State Route 46 off-ramp, later expanded to lanes two and three. Caltrans was contacted for a hard closure.
A heavy-duty tow was requested for the big rig, weighing approximately 41,000 pounds. The roadway was cleared at approximately 3:51 AM.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Kern County Truck Accidents and Wrongful Death Claims
California law follows the principle of comparative negligence. This means that even if a driver is found partially at fault for an accident, their surviving family members may still pursue compensation if the negligence of another party, such as the big rig driver or a road hazard, contributed to the crash. Investigators with California law enforcement examine the actions of both drivers and roadway conditions to determine what role outside factors may have played.
Regardless of the findings, Moore’s family may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim. A wrongful death claim can provide the family with compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, loss of consortium, and other damages related to the fatal accident.
Kern County Wrongful Death Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, on Highway 99 north of Famoso Road, contact a California wrongful death lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
