(Dustin Acres, CA) One person died and another sustained serious injuries in a Highway 119 collision involving two pickup trucks Sunday afternoon.
On Sunday, August 31, at around 3:30 p.m., the Highway 119 collision occurred. According to the California Highway Patrol, it happened about one-fourth of a mile south of Sunridge Avenue in Dustin Acres.
Authorities determined the crash involved two pickup trucks, each carrying only one occupant. The impact pushed one vehicle off the road while the other came to rest in the middle of the highway. When first responders arrived, they found the driver of one truck unresponsive. Paramedics assessed him and pronounced him dead at the scene. The woman driving the second pickup became pinned inside her vehicle following the collision.
Kern County firefighters worked to free her from the wreckage before paramedics transported her by ground ambulance to a nearby hospital. Officials confirmed she sustained serious injuries. The California Highway Patrol closed the highway in both directions following the Highway 119 collision. Authorities diverted traffic to Tank Farm Road while crews cleared the area.
Legal Opinion on the Highway 119 Collision
The Highway 119 collision that killed one driver and injured another raises serious legal implications under California law. Investigators will need to determine which driver crossed into the other’s lane and caused the head-on crash. If one of the trucks veered over the center line, California Vehicle Code 21651 applies. This law prohibits driving on the wrong side of a divided highway. Crossing lanes without control often leads to deadly head-on collisions like this one.
If speed played a role, California Vehicle Code 22350 becomes relevant. Known as the Basic Speed Law, this law requires drivers to maintain speeds safe for conditions. Even when driving under the posted limit, unsafe speed in rural areas or near curves can create liability. Should investigators find distraction or inattention involved, civil negligence principles will also apply. A driver who fails to stay alert or avoid foreseeable danger may bear responsibility for wrongful death and personal injury.
What the Family Can Do
The family of the deceased driver has the right to pursue a wrongful death claim under California Code of Civil Procedure 377.60. This allows close relatives to recover for funeral expenses, the financial support he provided, and the emotional loss of companionship. The injured woman also has the right to bring a personal injury claim if investigators determine the other driver caused the crash. This claim can cover hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Both families should consider hiring experienced attorneys quickly. An attorney can obtain the CHP report of the Highway 119 collision. They can also gather witness statements and secure accident reconstruction experts. Preserving evidence early is vital in a head-on collision. While no lawsuit can undo the harm, pursuing legal action helps ensure accountability. It can also provide financial relief and a sense of justice for both the grieving family and the injured survivor.
We at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the family of the victim. We know this is a difficult time as you mourn the tragic and sudden loss of a loved one. If you have any concerns about navigating the legal process surrounding this horrible incident, call 866-883-4318 to speak with a lawyer.
