Kern County, CA – On the evening of Wednesday, January 28, 2026, a wrong-way head-on big rig collision resulted in fatal injuries to 23-year-old Joaquin Angel Aguirre of Los Angeles, according to KBAK.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident took place around 10:15 PM near Highway 14 north of Cow Heaven Canyon Road.
Authorities said Aguirre was driving a 2007 Toyota Corolla northbound in the southbound lanes of Highway 14 when his vehicle collided head-on with a southbound 2014 Freightliner big rig.
Investigators determined that the impact caused catastrophic injuries, and Aguirre was pronounced dead at the scene as a result of those injuries. Emergency responders, including fire personnel and law enforcement, were dispatched to provide medical assistance, secure the area, and assess the severity of the crash scene.
Officials said the roadway was closed for a period of time to allow authorities to conduct standard fatal-collision procedures, which included documenting vehicle positions, collecting physical evidence, and coordinating vehicle removal. Tow services were requested after investigators completed their on-scene work.
Authorities stated that driver impairment is suspected and that the crash remains under investigation as officials continue to review contributing factors related to the wrong-way travel.
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.
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.
California Truck Accident Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, contact a California Truck Accident Lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
