{"id":1815,"date":"2026-10-24T03:01:49","date_gmt":"2026-10-24T03:01:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/34-138-224-95.nip.io\/wrongful-death-claim-process-california\/fatal-highway-crash-claims-bakersfield\/"},"modified":"2026-10-24T08:13:13","modified_gmt":"2026-10-24T08:13:13","slug":"fatal-highway-crash-claims-bakersfield","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/resources\/wrongful-death-claim-process-california\/fatal-highway-crash-claims-bakersfield\/","title":{"rendered":"Fatal Highway 99 Crash Lawsuit Bakersfield: A Family Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover alignfull is-dark chg-hero\" style=\"min-height:460px;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim-70 has-background-dim wp-block-cover__gradient-background has-background-gradient\" style=\"background:linear-gradient(90deg,rgba(32,36,46,1) 0%,rgba(32,36,46,1) 55%,rgba(32,36,46,0.7) 100%)\"><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background\" alt=\"Wide view of a Highway 99 roadway in Bakersfield, with multi-lane asphalt, lane markings, and roadside guardrails under daylight.\" src=\"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/wide-view-of-a-highway-99-roadway-in-bakersfield-with-multi-photo.jpg\"\/><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-cover-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"chg-eyebrow has-base-color has-text-color wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-shadow:0 1px 3px rgba(0,0,0,0.6),0 0 18px rgba(0,0,0,0.35)\">Wrongful Death | Bakersfield and Kern County<\/p><h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-base-color has-text-color\" style=\"text-shadow:0 1px 3px rgba(0,0,0,0.6),0 0 18px rgba(0,0,0,0.35)\">After a Fatal Highway 99 Crash, Your Family Doesn&#x27;t Have to Face It Alone<\/h1><p class=\"has-base-color has-text-color wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:clamp(0.875rem, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 0.625), 1.25rem);text-shadow:0 1px 3px rgba(0,0,0,0.6),0 0 18px rgba(0,0,0,0.35)\">Colvin Accident Lawyers represents families in wrongful death cases arising from crashes on Highway 99 and the surrounding roads of Kern County. Start with a free, confidential first consultation.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+16616161177\">Get a Free Case Consultation<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/contact\/\">Get a Free Case Consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#6b7280;margin-bottom:1.5rem\">By Donald Norman Colvin \u00b7 Published October 23, 2026<\/p>\n\n<article lang=\"en\">\n\n\n<p>If someone you love died in a crash on Highway 99, 58, or 178, a fatal Highway 99 crash lawsuit may be an option for certain family members. Only specific people can bring the claim, strict deadlines apply, and key evidence can disappear quickly. This guide walks through each step in plain words.<\/p>\n<h2>What a Fatal Highway Crash Claim Is and Who Can Bring It<\/h2>\n<p>A wrongful death claim is a lawsuit brought because another person&#8217;s wrongful act or neglect caused a death. Only certain people are allowed to file it.<\/p>\n<p>Under <a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CCP&amp;sectionNum=377.60.\">Code of Civil Procedure \u00a7 377.60<\/a>, the decedent&#8217;s surviving spouse, domestic partner, children, and issue of deceased children may bring the claim. If there is no surviving issue, the persons who would be entitled to the decedent&#8217;s property by intestate succession, including the surviving spouse or domestic partner, may bring it. The decedent&#8217;s personal representative can also file it on their behalf.<\/p>\n<p>Other people may qualify if they depended on the person who died. That can include a putative spouse (someone who believed in good faith the marriage was valid), stepchildren, parents, or legal guardians. A minor who lived in the household for the previous 180 days and relied on the decedent for half or more of support may also qualify.<\/p>\n<p>A survival claim is different. It covers losses the person had before dying, and the personal representative or successor in interest brings it.<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"cta-dose-mid wp-block-group has-base-color has-accent-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-32197852 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--accent,#20242e);color:var(--wp--preset--color--base,#ffffff);border-radius:8px;padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem;border-left:6px solid var(--wp--preset--color--cta,currentColor);box-shadow:0 2px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.18)\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If a crash on Highway 99, 58, or 178 took someone you love, you may have a claim, and you don&#x27;t have to sort out the deadlines alone. Talk it through with our team &#8212; the first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+16616161177\">Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/contact\/\">Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large has-custom-border\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/close-view-of-a-guardrail-and-paved-shoulder-along-highway-9-photo.jpg\" alt=\"Close view of a guardrail and paved shoulder along Highway 99 in Bakersfield, California.\" style=\"border-radius:8px;width:100%;aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2>Who May Be Responsible for a Fatal Crash<\/h2>\n<p>The at-fault driver is the most common responsible party. Other parties can share responsibility, depending on what caused the crash.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Drivers.<\/strong> Speeding, impairment, distraction, or driving the wrong way can all be negligent driving. Under <a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV&amp;sectionNum=1714.\">Civil Code \u00a7 1714<\/a>, a person is responsible for injury caused by a lack of ordinary care, except so far as the injured person has, willfully or by want of ordinary care, brought the injury upon themselves.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Drivers who leave.<\/strong> A driver in a crash that injures someone else or kills someone must stop at once at the scene and meet the further duties in Sections 20003 and 20004, under <a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=VEH&amp;sectionNum=20001.\">Vehicle Code \u00a7 20001<\/a>. Leaving the scene is a crime.<\/li>\n<li>Under <a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=VEH&amp;sectionNum=17150.\">Vehicle Code \u00a7 17150<\/a>, every owner is liable for death or injury to person or property resulting from a negligent or wrongful act or omission in the operation of the vehicle by anyone using it with the owner&#8217;s express or implied permission.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Public agencies.<\/strong> Under <a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=GOV&amp;sectionNum=835.\">Government Code \u00a7 835<\/a>, a public entity can be liable for a dangerous condition of its property, but specific conditions apply. Caltrans publishes <a href=\"https:\/\/dot.ca.gov\/programs\/research-innovation-system-information\/annual-collision-data\">annual collision data<\/a> that includes fatal crashes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Damages Families May Be Able to Pursue<\/h2>\n<p>Damages are the money a claim seeks for losses caused by the death and the harm before it. Each family&#8217;s losses differ.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Funeral and medical costs.<\/strong> Many families ask about burial costs and bills from the crash. Whether those fit a claim depends on the facts of each case.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Lost income and support.<\/strong> Lost income and financial support are often central to these claims.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Loss of family relationships.<\/strong> Some family members may seek damages for the loss of companionship and guidance.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Survival losses.<\/strong> Under <a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CCP&amp;sectionNum=377.34.\">Code of Civil Procedure \u00a7 377.34<\/a>, survival damages cover the loss the person sustained before death. Those damages generally exclude pain, suffering, and disfigurement, with limited exceptions in the statute.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>No one can estimate a case&#8217;s value from a short description. The facts, evidence, and family situation all shape what a claim involves.<\/p>\n<h2>Deadlines: How Much Time a Family Has to Act<\/h2>\n<p>For a private driver, the general deadline is two years (<a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CCP&amp;sectionNum=335.1.\">Code Civ. Proc. \u00a7 335.1<\/a>). A claim against a public agency has a much shorter first step.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Private driver.<\/strong> Under <a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CCP&amp;sectionNum=335.1.\">Code of Civil Procedure \u00a7 335.1<\/a>, an action for a death caused by another&#8217;s wrongful act generally must be brought within two years.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Public agency.<\/strong> A claim for death against a city, county, or state agency such as Caltrans must be presented within six months of accrual, under <a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=GOV&amp;sectionNum=911.2.\">Government Code \u00a7 911.2<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Time to sue a public agency.<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=GOV&amp;sectionNum=945.6.\">Government Code \u00a7 945.6<\/a> sets the time to file suit.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Missing a deadline can cost a family its claim. Don&#8217;t wait for the criminal case or the coroner&#8217;s report before getting advice. Each deadline turns on the facts of the crash, so an early review helps.<\/p>\n<h2>Evidence and Records to Preserve After a Fatal Crash<\/h2>\n<p>Some of the most useful records, like vehicles and video, can be lost quickly. Start gathering them early.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Collision report.<\/strong> The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.chp.ca.gov\/traffic\/request-a-crash-report\/\">California Highway Patrol crash report requests<\/a> page explains how to ask for a report online, in person, or by mail.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Vehicles and vehicle data.<\/strong> Damaged vehicles may be repaired or sold. Ask early that they be kept.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Coroner and medical records.<\/strong> Coroner findings and toxicology results matter once they are released.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Photos, video, and witnesses.<\/strong> Save photos, dashcam or traffic camera footage, and witness contact details.<\/li>\n<li>A sworn statement must also be filed with the insurer within 30 days.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Income records.<\/strong> Pay stubs, tax returns, and employment records help show lost income.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>How a Wrongful Death Claim Works, Step by Step<\/h2>\n<p>A wrongful death claim usually moves through six steps, from first talks to a lawsuit if needed.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Consultation.<\/strong> The family shares the basic facts of the crash and the death.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Case review.<\/strong> The collision report, medical or coroner records, and insurance papers are reviewed.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Investigation.<\/strong> The team works to identify every party and insurer that may be responsible.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Claim presentation.<\/strong> Demands go to insurers with supporting evidence. Claims against public agencies have their own deadlines.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Negotiation.<\/strong> Some cases resolve through negotiation. No lawyer can know how a particular case will end.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Lawsuit.<\/strong> If negotiation does not resolve the claim, a lawsuit is filed in the right California court.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Each step&#8217;s length depends on the facts, the parties involved, and the court calendar.<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"cta-dose-mid wp-block-group has-base-color has-accent-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-32197852 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--accent,#20242e);color:var(--wp--preset--color--base,#ffffff);border-radius:8px;padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem;border-left:6px solid var(--wp--preset--color--cta,currentColor);box-shadow:0 2px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.18)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-base-color has-text-color\">Not sure what your next step is?<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Talk it through with our team &#8212; the first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+16616161177\">Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/contact\/\">Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Why Families in Bakersfield Work With Colvin Accident Lawyers<\/h2>\n<p>Colvin Accident Lawyers is a personal injury firm based in Bakersfield, California. The firm handles fatal crash and wrongful death matters.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Responsible lawyer.<\/strong> Donald Norman Colvin is the responsible lawyer for this page. Attorneys and staff at the firm also work on these matters.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Case types.<\/strong> The firm handles car, truck, bus, motorcycle, and pedestrian accident cases, plus wrongful death claims.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Service area.<\/strong> Colvin Accident Lawyers is based in Bakersfield, California.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Truck and bus crashes.<\/strong> These cases can involve more than one responsible party, which makes an early review useful.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Our team can walk you through each deadline and step in plain terms.<\/p>\n<h2>Frequently Asked Questions About Fatal Highway Crash Claims<\/h2><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>How hard is it to win a car accident lawsuit?<\/summary><p>Outcomes turn on the evidence, the insurance involved, and the facts of each crash. No lawyer can know in advance how a case will turn out.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>How much can you sue for in a hit-and-run death?<\/summary><p>The types of losses are listed above. No one can estimate a case&#8217;s value from a short description.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>How long do I have to sue after a car accident in California?<\/summary><p>For a private driver, the general limit is two years under <a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CCP&amp;sectionNum=335.1.\">Code of Civil Procedure \u00a7 335.1<\/a>. A claim against a public agency for death or for injury to person or to personal property must be presented not later than six months after the accrual of the cause of action, under <a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=GOV&amp;sectionNum=911.2.\">Government Code \u00a7 911.2<\/a>.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Is it worth it to sue a hit-and-run driver?<\/summary><p>That turns on the facts, including whether uninsured motorist coverage applies and whether the reporting steps were met.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Do I have to pay anything for the first consultation?<\/summary><p>No. The first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation to continue.<\/p><\/details>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large has-custom-border\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/cars-travel-along-a-long-highway-winding-through-rocky-hills-photo.jpg\" alt=\"Cars travel along a long highway winding through rocky hills under a clear blue sky.\" style=\"border-radius:8px;width:100%;aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2>If You Lost Someone on Highway 99, 58, or 178 in Bakersfield<\/h2>\n<p>A crash on these routes can leave a family asking urgent questions. Who may file? Is a public agency involved? Which records should be saved first?<\/p>\n<p>If you are weighing those choices, reach out to Colvin Accident Lawyers through our <a href=\"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/contact\/\">contact page<\/a>. We can talk through the crash, the parties involved, and the time limits that may apply to a fatal Highway 99 crash lawsuit in Bakersfield.<\/p>\n<p>Donald Norman Colvin, Colvin Accident Lawyers, Bakersfield, California &#8212; responsible for this site.<\/p>\n\n<\/article>\n<footer class=\"disclaimer\"><em>The information on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Please consult a licensed attorney regarding your specific legal situation.<\/em><\/footer>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-583d630a wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:3rem;padding-bottom:3rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">How We Help Families After a Fatal Crash<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-f56f613f wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--document\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Reviewing the Crash Records<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We look at the police report, the vehicles involved, and other records that help show how the collision happened.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--shield\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Dealing With Insurance Companies<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We handle communications with insurance companies so your family can focus on grieving and caring for one another.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--users\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Keeping the Family Informed<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We explain each step in plain language, so you know what is happening and what questions to ask.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--location\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Serving Kern County Families<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We focus on crashes in Bakersfield, Kern County, and nearby communities, including Fresno, Visalia, Lancaster, Palmdale, Delano and Tehachapi.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-color has-accent-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-32197852 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--accent,#20242e);color:var(--wp--preset--color--base,#ffffff);border-radius:8px;padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem;border-left:6px solid var(--wp--preset--color--cta,currentColor);box-shadow:0 2px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.18)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-base-color has-text-color\">Speak With a Lawyer Before You Talk to an Insurer<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Insurance representatives may contact your family soon after a fatal crash. Before you give any statement or sign any paperwork about your loved one&#x27;s death, talk with a lawyer first.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+16616161177\">Request a Free Consultation<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/contact\/\">Request a Free Consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-surface-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-583d630a wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:3rem;padding-bottom:3rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Steps Families Can Take Now<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-f56f613f wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Keep the Evidence<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Save photos, texts, receipts, medical bills and any notes about the crash, and keep the vehicle and personal items if you can.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Write Down What You Remember<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Record dates, times and details while they are fresh, including what witnesses or responders said.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Limit Public Statements<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Be careful about what you post online or share with others about the crash while the facts are still being gathered.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Call Colvin Accident Lawyers<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our team will listen to your family&#x27;s situation, explain what we can do, and answer your questions at no cost in the first consultation.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-base-color has-primary-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4d466591 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--primary,#20242e);color:var(--wp--preset--color--base,#ffffff);padding-top:3rem;padding-bottom:3rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-base-color has-text-color\">Talk With Colvin Accident Lawyers About Your Family&#x27;s Loss<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-0aa01211 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+16616161177\">Call Colvin or Contact Us Now<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/contact\/\">Call Colvin or Contact Us Now<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Related practice areas<\/h2><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><a href=\"\/resources\/wrongful-death-claim-process-california\/\">How a Wrongful Death Claim Works in California | Colvin Accident Attorneys<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n<!-- chg:section-siblings -->\n<nav aria-label=\"More in this section\">\n<h2>More in this section<\/h2>\n<ul><li><a href=\"\/resources\/wrongful-death-claim-process-california\/fatal-premises-accident-lawsuit-california\/\">Fatal Accidents on Private Property in California<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/resources\/wrongful-death-claim-process-california\/how-families-pay-wrongful-death-case-california\/\">How Families Pay for a Wrongful Death Case in California<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/resources\/wrongful-death-claim-process-california\/wrongful-death-claim-city-county-california\/\">Wrongful Death Claims Against a City or County Road Owner<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/resources\/wrongful-death-claim-process-california\/death-after-crash-injuries-wrongful-death-california\/\">Death Weeks After a Crash: Claims in California | Colvin Accident Attorneys<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/resources\/wrongful-death-claim-process-california\/bus-crash-wrongful-death-claim-california\/\">Bus Crash Wrongful Death Claims in California<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n<\/nav>\n<!-- \/chg:section-siblings -->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Fatal crash on Highway 99, 58, or 178 in Bakersfield? Learn who can file a wrongful death claim, key California deadlines, and records to save.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":177,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"chg_review":"","chg_sendback":"","chg_canonical":"","chg_lang":"","chg_hreflang":"[]","chg_jsonld":"[{\"name\": \"Wrongful Death Claim Guidance for Fatal Highway Crashes in Bakersfield\", \"@type\": [\"Service\", \"FAQPage\"], \"about\": [{\"name\": \"Wrongful death claim (California)\", \"@type\": \"Thing\"}, {\"name\": \"Fatal motor vehicle crash\", \"@type\": \"Thing\"}, {\"name\": \"Hit-and-run crash\", \"@type\": \"Thing\"}, {\"name\": \"State Route 99, Bakersfield, California\", \"@type\": \"Place\"}, {\"name\": \"State Route 58, Bakersfield, California\", \"@type\": \"Place\"}, {\"name\": \"State Route 178, Bakersfield, California\", \"@type\": \"Place\"}], \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\", \"audience\": {\"@type\": \"Audience\", \"audienceType\": \"Surviving spouses, registered domestic partners, children, parents, dependents, and other heirs or successors in interest of a person killed in a motor vehicle crash\"}, \"provider\": {\"@type\": \"Organization\", \"@id\": \"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/resources\/#organization\", \"name\": \"Colvin Accident Lawyers\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/\"}, \"speakable\": {\"@type\": \"SpeakableSpecification\", \"cssSelector\": [\"article > p:first-of-type\", \".wp-block-details p\", \"article > h1\"]}, \"areaServed\": [{\"name\": \"Bakersfield, California\", \"@type\": \"City\"}, {\"name\": \"Kern County, California\", \"@type\": \"AdministrativeArea\"}], \"description\": \"Guidance for families considering a California wrongful death claim after a fatal crash on Highway 99, Highway 58, or Highway 178 in Bakersfield. 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