Buttonwillow, CA — KBAK reports that a 70-year-old woman lost her life in a head-on collision between a big rig and the Toyota Tundra in which she was a passenger on Monday afternoon, September 23, 2024, on Highway 33, near Buttonwillow.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) responded to the scene around 3:40 PM following reports of a two-vehicle crash near Soda Lake Road.
According to investigators, the collision occurred when a 24-year-old man from Bakersfield, driving a big rig southbound on Highway 33, crossed into the northbound lane. For reasons still under investigation, the big rig collided head-on with a Toyota Tundra.
The woman, who was seated in the front passenger seat of the Tundra, died at the scene. Her identity has not yet been released, pending notification of her family by the Kern County Coroner’s Office.
The driver of the Toyota, a 72-year-old man, sustained major injuries in the crash. He was airlifted to Kern Medical for treatment.
The driver of the semi-trailer sustained minor injuries and was treated at the scene. CHP officials have stated that neither drugs nor alcohol appear to be factors in the crash, but the investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of the collision.
Wrongful Death Claims
Losing a loved one in a traffic accident is devastating, and the pain can be made worse by the financial strain that often follows. Medical bills, funeral costs, and the loss of income to support dependents of the deceased can leave families struggling.
Filing a Wrongful Death claim against those responsible can provide compensation to help with these expenses. However, insurance companies will always try to pay as little as possible, making it difficult for families to receive the full amount they deserve.
This is why having an experienced personal injury attorney is essential so that they can fight to make sure you receive fair compensation and justice for your loved one.
