Bakersfield, CA – A 16-year-old boy from Lamont lost his life early Sunday morning, September 29, 2024, after his vehicle crashed into a canal in southwest Bakersfield, according to KBAK.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reports that, around 1:22 AM, the teen was driving a 2014 Toyota southbound on Cottonwood Road, just south of Panama Lane, when for reasons still under investigation, the vehicle veered off the road in a southwesterly direction. The car crashed into a canal and became submerged underwater.
The driver sustained severe injuries and, despite the life-saving efforts of emergency responders, he was pronounced dead at the scene. His identity will be released by the coroner’s office once his family has been notified.
Two passengers, an 18-year-old man and a 19-year-old woman, managed to escape the submerged vehicle. The male passenger suffered minor injuries, while the female passenger did not report any injuries.
Authorities are investigating whether alcohol or drugs played a role in the crash. Witnesses are encouraged to contact the CHP Bakersfield Area office.
Liability in Single-Vehicle Collisions
In some cases, investigations may reveal that even in a single-vehicle accident, nearby drivers or unsafe road features share some responsibility. A personal injury attorney plays a critical role in sorting through these details to help victims and their families get the compensation they deserve.
Once liability is determined, the attorney can negotiate with insurance companies, who often try to reduce payouts. That means having legal representation can be vital to ensure victims receive fair compensation for their loss.
Passenger Liability
Driver liability insurance covers both those outside the vehicle and passengers inside. While it can be emotionally difficult to file a Wrongful Death or injury claim against someone close to the victim, the financial challenges after an accident can be overwhelming.
A skilled personal injury attorney can help families pursue proper compensation for their loss by handling these legal complexities and negotiating with insurance companies, who always try to reduce payouts on claims they cannot deny.
