Bakersfield, CA — According to KBAK, two of the four people who lost their lives in a fiery two-vehicle collision on the morning of Monday, September 28, 2026, have been identified by the Kern County Coroner.
The deceased have been identified as follows:
- Rebecca Jane Radovich, 75, of Tehachapi
- Veronica Espinoza Roa, 53, of Oildale
According to the California Highway Patrol, the fatal crash took place at approximately 10:27 AM on westbound Highway 58, east of Edison Road.
The two vehicles involved in the fatal accident have been identified as a 2025 Hyundai Tucson and a 2020 Toyota Corolla. CHP investigators have stated that the Hyundai was being driven by an unaccompanied driver, traveling eastbound on Highway 58 at an unknown speed, while the Toyota approached from the opposite direction, carrying two passengers as well as the driver.
For reasons still yet to be determined, the Hyundai driver reportedly veered left, crossed over into traffic, and struck the Toyota head-on. The impact caused both vehicles to catch fire, with the occupants of each trapped inside. Tragically, there were no survivors. All four were pronounced dead at the scene.
It is still not known whether driver intoxication played a part in this fatal accident.
Fatal Accidents in Bakersfield and Wrongful Death Claims
When the negligence of another person results in a person’s death, a wrongful death claim gives the family of the deceased a way to hold the responsible party (or parties) accountable. Even in accidents where there are no criminal charges, a wrongful death claim can provide compensation for damages such as funeral expenses and the loss of companionship and financial support.
In order to pursue a wrongful death claim, it is necessary to prove that another party was negligent in their duty of care, leading to the victim’s death. For the Hyundai driver who crossed over the center line into oncoming traffic, that might be the vehicle manufacturer, in the case of equipment failure, or the government entity responsible for roadway maintenance. However, any settlement would be reduced by the amount that the driver’s own actions contributed to his death.
The same holds true for the Toyota driver. If negligence on their part shared responsibility for the fatal crash, any wrongful death claim made against the Hyundai driver’s insurance would be reduced. As for the Toyota passengers, they could pursue claims against both the Hyundai driver and their own.
Bakersfield Wrongful Death Lawyer
If you or someone you love has been affected by an accident similar to this one on westbound Highway 58, east of Edison Road, consider reaching out to a Bakersfield wrongful death lawyer with any questions and to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case evaluation.
