Bakersfield, CA – On the morning of Saturday, September 20, 2025, a collision between a big rig and a passenger vehicle resulted in the deaths of Napoleon Frayna Grande, 76, and Susan Julian Grande, 66, according to KBAK.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident took place around 11:44 AM at the intersection of Highway 65 and Famoso Road.
Investigators stated that Napoleon Grande had been driving a 2016 Honda Fit eastbound on Famoso Road. Preliminary investigations suggest that he may have failed to stop at the stop sign before he entered the intersection. It was then that a 55-year-old man driving a 2014 Freightliner big rig southbound on Highway 65 collided with the driver’s side of the Honda with significant force.
The Honda spun out of control from the force of the impact and came to rest on the dirt shoulder east of the roadway. The Freightliner also lost control in the collision, struck a dirt embankment, and overturned.
The impact caused fatal injuries to Napoleon Grande and to Susan Grande, who rode as a passenger in the Honda. Emergency personnel confirmed that both victims had died at the scene. The driver of the big rig was taken to Kern Medical Hospital for treatment.
The overturned truck blocked the southbound lane of Highway 65 and partially obstructed the northbound lane.
Authorities confirmed that alcohol and drugs did not contribute to the collision. They have not released further details about speed, weather conditions, or roadway factors.
The California Highway Patrol continues to investigate this fatal accident.
Wrongful Death Claims & Comparative Negligence
Determining fault in a collision can involve multiple factors, and under California’s Comparative Negligence 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. This can provide compensation to help cover medical bills, funeral expenses, and the loss of income to support the family of the deceased.
Bakersfield Truck Accident Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, contact a Bakersfield Truck Accident Lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
Passenger Liability
Driver liability insurance covers both those outside the vehicle and passengers inside. While it can be emotionally difficult to file a Wrongful Death claim against someone close to the victim, the financial challenges after an accident can be overwhelming. As a neutral third party, an experienced personal injury attorney can help navigate these emotional complexities.
Stop Sign Laws
California Law requires drivers to come to a complete stop at a Stop sign (California Vehicle Code 22450). Drivers may only enter the intersection when it appears safe for all parties to do so (California Vehicle Code 21802).
Ongoing Investigations
Victims of traffic accidents and their families should be aware that authorities may fail to note or even misinterpret critical evidence at a crash site. One of the services that a Personal Injury Attorney can provide is to pursue follow-up investigations, which can reveal additional evidence to correct any errors made by previous investigators.
