Bakersfield, CA – A deadly rollover crash claimed the lives of two people Tuesday evening, October 8, 2024, in south Bakersfield, with authorities pointing to speed and possible impairment as contributing factors, according to KGET.
The accident occurred just after 5 PM near the intersection of East Pacheco and Cottonwood Roads.
The Bakersfield Police Department reports that the two victims were traveling southbound on Cottonwood Road in a Dodge pickup when the crash happened. Witnesses told investigators that the driver had been using the dirt shoulder to overtake other vehicles when the truck lost control, overturning violently.
Both the driver and the passenger were ejected from the vehicle, sustaining critical injuries. One of the victims was pronounced dead at the scene, while the second was transported to a nearby hospital, where they succumbed to their injuries.
In a statement, the police confirmed that “unsafe speed and impairment appear to be factors in the collision,” though the investigation is ongoing. The Kern County Coroner’s Office is expected to release the identities of the victims after notifying their families.
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.
