[04-17-2024] Kern County, CA – Five People Hospitalized After Two-Vehicle Head-On Collision Along Copus Road

Five people were hospitalized after a two-vehicle head-on collision in Kern County on Wednesday morning, April 17, 2024.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the traffic incident happened at around 5:25 a.m. along Copus Road, west of Interstate 5.

Initial investigations suggest that a 52-year-old woman from Bakersfield traveling westbound on Copus Road alone in a Chevrolet Silverado misjudged the distance between her and an oncoming vehicle as she was overtaking. CHP said that the Chevy was passing the westbound traffic in the eastbound lane at an approximate speed of 80 mph.

Due to the misjudgment of the Chevy driver, the vehicle collided head-on with an eastbound Toyota Camry driven by a 47-year-old woman from Maricopa with three passengers. All five drivers and passengers were transported to Kern Medical for assessment and treatment.

CHP confirmed that neither party was under the influence of alcohol when the accident occurred. No one was using their cell phones as well.

No further information was immediately available, and the authorities are still gathering the necessary details to determine the factors leading up to the crash.

Investigations are ongoing.

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.