Lake Isabella, CA – A 62-year-old Lake Isabella woman identified as Donna Lynn Sulu lost her life in a collision with a big rig on Highway 178 on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, according to KBAK.
California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers reported coming across the two-vehicle crash around 12:15 PM on Highway 178, just east of Lake Isabella Boulevard.
A preliminary investigation revealed that Sulu was driving a 2019 Subaru eastbound at an undetermined speed when she failed to navigate a curve in the roadway.
As a result, her vehicle veered off the road, striking multiple traffic signs before continuing across both lanes and into the path of a westbound 2021 International big rig, which was traveling at approximately 45 MPH. The impact left Sulu with critical injuries, and emergency responders transported her to Kern Valley Hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.
The driver of the big rig sustained back pain but did not suffer life-threatening injuries. Authorities confirmed that drugs and alcohol were not considered factors in the crash.
Highway 178 was closed for about three hours while officials conducted their investigation. CHP continues to examine the circumstances of the accident and urges anyone with additional information to contact them.
Wrongful Death Claims & Comparative Liability
Determining fault in a collision can involve multiple factors, and under California’s Comparative Liability 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.
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.
