Bakersfield, CA – Abram Raymond Perez, 18, of Bakersfield, was identified as the passenger who lost his life in a two-vehicle collision involving a big rig in the early morning of Saturday, April 26, 2025, according to KBAK.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reports that the accident took place around 3:43 AM near Highway 58 and Bena Road.
According to investigators, Perez was a passenger in a 2002 Mazda pickup that struck the rear of a big rig traveling uphill at reduced speed. The Mazda was traveling eastbound at an estimated 70 to 75 MPH when it collided with the rear of the 2016 Freightliner big rig that was moving at approximately 35 MPH in the same lane. Perez was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the Mazda sustained moderate injuries and was transported to Kern Medical Hospital for treatment. The driver of the Freightliner was uninjured and remained at the scene, cooperating with the investigation. Authorities suspect alcohol and/or drugs were contributing factors in the crash.
Perez had recently returned to Bakersfield to visit friends and was coming home from a night out when the crash occurred. His family described him as a bright and loving individual who was deeply connected to his siblings and known for his intelligence and protective nature.
A roadside memorial has been placed near the crash site, and a GoFundMe has been launched to support funeral expenses.
Wrongful Death Claims
Losing a loved one in a traffic accident is devastating, and the pain can be made worse by the financial strain that often follows. Medical bills, funeral costs, and the loss of income to support dependents of the deceased can leave families struggling. Filing a Wrongful Death claim against those responsible can provide compensation to help with these expenses.
Passenger Liability
Driver liability insurance covers both those outside the vehicle and passengers inside. While it can be emotionally difficult to file a Personal Injury claim against someone close to the victim, the financial challenges after an accident can be overwhelming.
A skilled personal injury attorney can help families pursue proper compensation for their loss by handling these legal complexities and negotiating with insurance companies, who always try to reduce payouts on claims they cannot deny.
California DUI Law
Section 23153(a) of the California Vehicle Code (CVC) states that it is illegal for any driver to “Operate a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs and, as a result, cause bodily injury to someone else.”
Comparative Negligence
California Law upholds the concept of Comparative Negligence, which allows more than one party to share blame in a personal injury accident. Injured victims may have their compensation reduced if they are found partially responsible.
