Accident at Scofield Avenue and Elmo Highway claims life of Delano resident, CHP says
WASCO, CA, (October 14, 2024) - A Monday afternoon crash near Wasco left three people dead, including a 62-year-old man identified by the Kern County Coroner’s Office as Filamer Barayuga Simpliciano.
Filamer Barayuga Simpliciano, a 62-year-old Delano resident, was one of three people killed in a motor vehicle collision on Elmo Highway near Wasco on the afternoon of Oct. 14, the Highway Patrol said.
The tragedy unfolded around 4:26 p.m. at the intersection of Scofield Avenue and Elmo Highway.
According to the California Highway Patrol, a gray 2016 Ram 3500 was traveling eastbound on Elmo, approaching a stop sign at Scofield Avenue. Meanwhile, a silver 1993 Toyota Camry was heading northbound on Scofield, proceeding toward an uncontrolled Elmo intersection. The two vehicles collided, resulting in fatal injuries to two passengers of the Toyota, including Delano local Simpliciano and its driver.
The driver of the Ram was transported to Kern Medical with minor to moderate injuries, CHP said.
This is an ongoing investigation.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speeding was the primary cause of fatal crashes in 2018, followed by the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication; failure to stay in the proper lane; failure to yield the right of way; and distracted driving.
While the cause and liability of the crash are being investigated, Candice Bond, an experienced accident attorney and Managing Partner of Bond Legal, said that it is imperative to have an independent investigation conducted by a seasoned attorney.
“In addition to the diligent work of law enforcement, an attorney can re-interview important witnesses, analyze any surveillance video from the scene of the crash, and obtain phone and texting records of the liable party,” said Bond.
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the investigation, the family members of Filamer Barayuga Simpliciano may be entitled to a wrongful death claim. Family members of wrongful death victims may seek damages for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a catastrophic accident.
“We understand that losing a loved one is not only a deeply emotional loss but also an economic one,” said Bond, a national analyst for Newsline.
“If you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, contact a wrongful death attorney and get the guidance needed to obtain the justice you deserve.”
Have you been in a similar accident and need help? Speak to Newsline's national legal analyst Candice Bond now free of charge for a no-obligation consultation
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).