Bakersfield, CA – On the afternoon of Friday, May 9, 2025, a single-vehicle collision along westbound Highway 178 near Mount Vernon Avenue resulted in the death of one person, according to KBAK.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers responded to reports of a serious crash at approximately 12:29 PM.
A preliminary investigation revealed that a 2014 Mazda 6 was traveling westbound in the number three lane of Highway 178 at an estimated speed of 60 to 65 miles per hour when, for reasons still under investigation, the driver veered off the roadway.
The vehicle reportedly crossed the right shoulder and continued onto a dirt embankment before colliding head-on with a large roadside signpost. Emergency responders arrived shortly thereafter and observed that the vehicle had sustained major front-end damage.
The driver, who was found outside the car, was receiving CPR from medical personnel at the scene and was transported to Kern Medical with life-threatening injuries. Roughly one hour later, the driver succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. Authorities have not released the individual’s identity pending notification of next of kin.
There were no passengers in the vehicle at the time of the crash.
The incident caused temporary disruptions to westbound lanes of Highway 178 as officials conducted a scene investigation. No other vehicles were involved, and alcohol or drugs are not suspected to have played a role in the crash.
The collision remains under active investigation by the California Highway Patrol.
Single-Vehicle Collisions
In some cases, investigations may reveal that even in a single-vehicle accident, nearby drivers or unsafe road features share some responsibility. California’s Comparative Negligence rule means that, even if those injured in accidents are found partially at fault, they may still be eligible to receive partial compensation for damages.
Bakersfield Car Accident Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, contact a Bakersfield Car Accident Lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
Martin Gasparian is the founder of Maison Law, a California Personal Injury Law Firm. Martin is a graduate of Georgetown University Law School and has been practicing law in California 2004. His practice focuses on helping injury victims know their rights and recover just compensation.
