Wasco, CA — A high-speed collision between a pickup truck and farm equipment amid dense fog Saturday morning, December 7, 2024, claimed the life of a driver, according to KBAK.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported that the crash occurred around 7:30 AM on Kimberlina Road.
Investigators reported that the driver of a GMC Sierra pickup truck was traveling eastbound on Kimberlina Road in reduced visibility due to fog. At the same time, a John Deere tractor pulling an agricultural implement was crossing the road southbound.
CHP stated that the pickup truck appears to have been traveling at an unsafe speed for the foggy conditions and was unable to stop in time, colliding with the right side of the tractor’s implement. The impact caused significant damage to the GMC.
Kern County Fire personnel worked to extricate the GMC driver from the wreckage before transporting them to Kern Medical Hospital in Bakersfield. Despite medical efforts, the driver was later pronounced dead. The Kern County Coroner’s Office is withholding the driver’s identity pending notification of next of kin.
The operator of the John Deere tractor was unharmed and is cooperating with the investigation. CHP noted that it is currently unclear if alcohol or drugs contributed to the crash.
Wrongful Death Claims
Determining fault in a collision can involve multiple factors, and under California’s Comparative Liability rule, several parties can share partial responsibility. A personal injury attorney can play a crucial role in helping victims establish legal responsibility after a traffic accident.
Should someone else be found even partly responsible for the death, the family may be able to file a Wrongful Death claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance. This can provide compensation to help cover medical bills, funeral expenses, and the loss of income to support the family of the deceased.
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, feel free to contact Maison Law for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
