Kings County, CA – On the afternoon of Sunday, August 2, 2026, a three-vehicle collision resulted in the death of a driver and left multiple others hospitalized near Hanford, according to ABC30.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident took place just after 3:00 PM on Highway 198 east of 7th Avenue.
Authorities said a man driving a Toyota Tacoma with three passengers was traveling westbound on Highway 198 when he allowed his vehicle to cross the paved center divider and enter the eastbound lanes, colliding with a Honda Civic.
The impact pushed the Civic into a Toyota Corolla carrying two people, also traveling eastbound, causing the Corolla driver to lose control. The Corolla overturned and rolled into a field on the south side of the highway.
The three passengers in the Tacoma were transported to Adventist Medical Center in Hanford. The two occupants of the Corolla were transported to Kaweah Delta Medical Center in Visalia. The driver of the Civic died from his injuries in the ambulance en route to Kaweah Delta.
Alcohol and drugs are not suspected to have been factors in the crash. The investigation remains ongoing.
Comparative Negligence
California Law follows the legal concept of comparative negligence. Under comparative negligence, more than one party might share liability in a personal injury accident. Injured victims may have their compensation reduced if they are found partially liable in the accident that caused their injury.
Kings County Car Accidents and Wrongful Death Claims
California law requires all drivers to maintain their lane of travel and exercise reasonable care to avoid crossing a center divider into oncoming traffic. When a driver crosses into opposing lanes and causes a chain-reaction collision resulting in death and injuries to others, that driver may bear liability for the resulting harm to all those involved.
The family of the deceased Civic driver may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim, while those injured in the Tacoma and Corolla 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.
Kings County Wrongful Death Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, on Highway 198 east of 7th Avenue, contact a California wrongful death lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
