Kern County, CA – On the evening of Saturday, March 28, 2026, a single-vehicle collision resulted in the deaths of Deborah Lea Struska, 62, of Weldon, and the driver of the vehicle, according to KGET, with additional reporting from CHP Fatal.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident took place around 4:35 PM in the 19000 block of Highway 178 near Kelso Valley Road.
Authorities said the vehicle struck a tree and caught fire, with occupants pinned inside. Bystanders at the scene attempted to extinguish the flames before emergency personnel arrived.
Responding units found the vehicle fully engulfed with both occupants still inside. Struska, who was a passenger in the vehicle, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver also died at the scene. The coroner was subsequently notified and responded.
The identity of the driver had not been released at the time of reporting. The investigation remains ongoing.
Single-Vehicle Collisions
In some cases, investigations may reveal that even in a single-vehicle accident, nearby drivers or unsafe road features share some responsibility. California’s comparative negligence rule means that, even if those injured in accidents are found partially at fault, they may still be eligible to receive partial compensation for damages through a wrongful death claim.
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.
California Car Accident Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, contact a California car accident lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
