Bakersfield, CA — In the early hours of Saturday, July 20, 2024, a fatal head-on collision on Buena Vista Boulevard resulted in the deaths of two men and left another injured. The Kern County Coroner’s Office has identified the deceased as Martin Martinez Gallegos, 52, and Gabriel Martinez Torres, 45, both residents of Bakersfield, according to KBAK.
The crash occurred at approximately 1:59 AM on a remote section of Buena Vista Boulevard near Adobe Road, in a rural area south of Bakersfield. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reports that Gallegos was driving a Chevrolet Tahoe eastbound on Buena Vista Boulevard, while Torres was traveling westbound in a Chevrolet Silverado. For reasons that remain under investigation, the two vehicles collided head-on. The impact was severe, and both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene by emergency responders.
A 39-year-old passenger in the Tahoe survived the crash but sustained injuries. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment, though details regarding the extent of his injuries have not been disclosed.
The CHP is conducting a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the collision. At this time, authorities have not released information regarding whether speed, alcohol, or other factors contributed to the accident. Investigators are also seeking any additional information from the public that could shed light on the events leading up to the crash.
Wrongful Death Claims
Establishing fault in a collision can depend on multiple factors. One crucial way a personal injury attorney can assist grieving families is by determining legal liability after the loss of a loved one in a traffic accident.
If another party is found to hold some responsibility for the death, the family may be eligible to file a Wrongful Death claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance provider. This claim can provide compensation to help cover hospital fees, burial costs, and the loss of support for the deceased’s dependents.
