A 40-year-old male passenger was killed, while multiple others were injured after a two-vehicle crash near Arvin on Friday morning, August 2, 2024.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the traffic crash occurred at about 5:43 a.m. on South Edison Road and Herrig Road, southwest of the city.
The incident involved a 2007 Toyota Corolla driven by a 24-year-old man and a 2023 Toyota Tacoma driven by a 59-year-old man. Multiple passengers are said to have occupied the two vehicles, but authorities did not specify how many for each.
CHP stated that the Corolla was traveling southbound on South Edison Road, approaching the intersection with a stop sign. At the same time, the Tacoma was reportedly going westbound on the same roadway at about 55 mph without any stop signs at its side of the intersection.
The 24-year-old man behind the wheel of the Corolla reportedly did not stop at the stop sign before entering the intersection, which caused the Tacoma to hit its left side.
The left rear passenger of the Corolla, a 40-year-old man, suffered severe injuries due to the crash and was rushed to Kern Medical for treatment. Later the same day, he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead while at the medical facility.
Meanwhile, both drivers of the two vehicles involved and several other passengers sustained minor to moderate injuries. They were all taken to Adventist Health and Kern Medical to be checked out and receive treatment. The total number of injured individuals was not disclosed.
CHP is still investigating the official cause of the accident. Alcohol or drug impairment has since been ruled out.
Further information was not immediately available.
Don’t Know What To Do After An Accident?
Your safety and rights depend on what you do next after an accident. Remember the following steps if you find yourself in one:
- Check yourself for any injuries.
- Stay on the scene, call 9-1-1, and wait for emergency responders.
- Move your vehicle to the road shoulder if safe; turn on hazard lights.
- Fully cooperate with law enforcement and stay until cleared to leave.
- Document the scene and injuries with photos and videos.
- Seek immediate medical attention.
- Contact your insurance company and find a personal injury lawyer for legal advice.
What A Lawyer Can Do For You
Many victims put off calling a lawyer even if they sustain injuries after an accident. However, lawyers can help you in many ways. They can provide you with police reports, CCTV footage, and witness statements to strengthen your case. Your attorney will also negotiate with insurance companies to get you fair compensation. The best part is that they will do all of these things for you at no upfront cost. So if you’re injured in an accident, hire a personal injury attorney to recover medical bills, car repair costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
