(Bakersfield, CA) Two people were severely injured Tuesday morning, November 25, in a Highway 43 collision after a driver attempted to pass another vehicle and struck an oncoming car head-on.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the crash occurred around 9:22 a.m. on Highway 43, just south of Interstate 5. Investigators said a 31-year-old Bakersfield man drove a 2006 Toyota Sienna southbound at that time. All of a sudden, he tried to pass another vehicle at an unsafe speed.
At the same time, a 26-year-old Taft woman driving a 2018 BMW X1 headed northbound on Highway 43. The Toyota crossed into the opposing lane during the pass and collided head-on with the BMW, witnesses told CHP.
As a result, the collision ejected the Toyota driver from his vehicle, while the BMW driver was trapped inside. Kern County Fire Department personnel arrived and rescued her shortly after arriving. Both drivers sustained severe injuries and were transported to nearby hospitals.
The California Highway Patrol said speed and unsafe passing appear to have caused the crash. The investigation remains ongoing.
Overview on the Highway 43 Collision
Head-on collisions on two-lane highways are among the deadliest types of crashes, and several key traffic laws apply. The Unsafe Passing Law prohibits drivers from overtaking another vehicle unless the opposite lane is clearly visible and free of oncoming traffic for a sufficient distance to pass safely.
The Basic Speed Law requires motorists to drive at a speed that is reasonable and prudent for current road, traffic, and weather conditions. Driving too fast while passing can drastically reduce reaction time and increase the likelihood of catastrophic outcomes, as seen in the Highway 43 collision.
Finally, the Seat Belt Law mandates that all drivers and passengers wear seat belts. Ejections from vehicles, as in this crash, often result in far more serious injuries or death when occupants are unrestrained.
Support for the Victims
Both victims and their families should remain in contact with the California Highway Patrol Bakersfield Office to obtain updates and request a copy of the official collision report once it becomes available. This document will contain key findings that can aid in insurance claims and legal processes.
It may also be helpful to speak with a personal injury attorney who specializes in highway and head-on collision cases. Legal guidance can assist with seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term rehabilitation needs.
Finally, victims recovering from major trauma may benefit from local resources such as Kern County trauma support services and counseling programs that assist crash survivors in coping with physical and emotional recovery following devastating incidents like the highway accident.
If you have any concerns about navigating the legal process surrounding this incident, call 866-883-4318 to speak with a lawyer.
