Bakersfield, CA – A man who lost his life when his vehicle veered off Highway 178 and collided with a tree early Saturday morning, September 7, 2024, has been identified as 43-year-old Albert Anthony Villa of Bakersfield, according to KBAK.
The crash occurred on September 7, around 3:06 AM, as Villa was driving east of the Upper Richbar Picnic Area. According to the Kern County Coroner’s Office and the California Highway Patrol (CHP), Villa’s vehicle left the roadway and struck a tree. Sadly, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Search and rescue teams were deployed to the area in an effort to locate Villa. As a result, the stretch of Highway 178 near the Upper Richbar Picnic Area was closed from 6 AM to 11:30 AM while crews worked. Villa’s vehicle was discovered in the tree by 4 AM.
Further details about the incident have not been released, and the cause of the crash is still under investigation. The Kern County Coroner’s Office is working with authorities to determine what may have led to the accident.
Liability in Single-Vehicle Collisions
In certain situations, investigations may uncover that some liability for a single-vehicle collision falls on other drivers nearby or even on unsafe roadway structures. Sorting through these details to help victims and their families secure proper compensation is one of the key services a personal injury attorney offers.
After establishing liability, a personal injury attorney can negotiate with insurance companies on the victim’s behalf. Insurance companies invariably aim to minimize payouts for claims they cannot deny, making legal representation crucial for obtaining fair compensation.
