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14-year-old driver kills underage passengers in James Road accident

BAKERSFIELD, CA (May 11, 2022) – A 14-year-old driving a white two-door Nissan crashed into a bulldozer, causing the deaths of two children and injuring one other passenger.

Officials say the driver was heading west on James Road near Highway 65 and Airport Road when he collided with a bulldozer that was just beginning to cross the road. 

The 14-year-old tried to avoid the bulldozer, but lost control of the car and veered left, causing the right side of the car to hit the bucket of the bulldozer. 

The front right passenger, age 10, and rear right passenger, age 11, both died as a result of their injuries. The rear left passenger sustained minor injuries. 

Names of the driver and passengers have not been released due to being minors. 

The bulldozer operator was identified as Gary Knox Dozier, 69, and he stayed on the scene and was uninjured.

The details of the accident are being investigated. It is unclear how a 14-year-old gained access to a car with three other unsupervised children. 

Liability In Bakersfield Car Accidents

Despite improved safety measures for cars, motor vehicle accidents remain one of the leading causes of serious injury and death in the United States.  According to the CDC, “more than 32,000 people are killed and 2 million are injured each year from motor vehicle crashes.” There are a number of factors that could potentially contribute to a car accident including:

  • Speeding
  • Distracted driving
  • Inclement weather
  • Dangerous turns
  • Poorly designed roadways

All drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care in order to avoid causing accidents. This is especially true for commercial drivers that work for a city. A number of collisions are due to drivers that make dangerous left turns. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 21801, the driver of any vehicle intending to turn left must yield the right of way traveling from the opposite direction close enough to pose a hazard.

If a negligent driver worked for a city, that city could potentially be liable in the event of an accident. Generally speaking, employers are vicariously liable for the negligent actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. There are a number of steps that should be taken after a car accident.

  • Photos of the accident site should be taken.
  • Surveillance footage should be sought.
  • Medical records should be preserved.
  • Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
  • A thorough independent investigation should be conducted.

The family of any victim that has died in a car accident may have legal recourse through a bodily injury claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and funeral expenses. It is essential that evidence is properly preserved after a car accident. A car accident attorney can examine all of the facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.

Investigating A Bakersfield Car Accident

We at West Coast Trial Lawyers extend our deepest condolences to the families of the two young victims of this tragic accident. Any person that may have information about what happened should reach out to the police. A thorough investigation must be conducted for the sake of all who have lost so much.

Do you need more information about a Bakersfield car accident? Our team of personal injury attorneys are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that negligent drivers are held to account for their actions. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 395-7234.

 


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