Bakersfield, CA (November 7, 2023) A 21-year-old Bakersfield woman tragically lost her life on Monday night, November 6th, after she crashed into the backhoe bucket of a tractor in Bakersfield. According to the California Highway Patrol, the accident occurred just before 7:00 a.m. in the Rowlee Road area.
Officers with the California Highway Patrol received the call about a 2-vehicle collision, south of Burbank Street in the Buttonwillow area. Officers arrived at the scene to find a 2016 Nissan Sentra with a severely damaged front-end and a John Deere tractor, driven by a 33-year-old Buttonwillow man, on the road.
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Preliminary investigations indicated that the 21-year-old woman was driving north on the highway behind the John Deere tractor. Her speed is unknown, but the tractor was moving along at approximately 20 miles per hour, according to authorities. For reasons unknown, the woman in the Nissan didn’t slow down as she approached the tractor. Instead, she crashed into the backhoe bucket on the back of the tractor.
Officers and paramedics arrived to find the woman deceased and she was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the tractor sustained non-life-threatening injuries in the collision. A coroner arrived at the scene and once the woman was removed from the vehicle, a tow truck arrived to remove the totaled Nissan from the scene.
Officers do not suspect drugs or alcohol to be a factor in this collision. They are still investigating to try and determine what exactly happened on Rowlee Road in Bakersfield.
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 Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the family of the woman killed in this 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 lawyers 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 (844) 966-0965.