Deadly wreck happened near East Pacheco and Cottonwood roads, authorities say
BAKERSFIELD, CA, (October 08, 2024) - Two people lost their lives as a result of a single-vehicle wreck Tuesday evening in south Bakersfield, police said, adding speed and impairment were contributing factors.
Julio Alfonso Jr., 42, was one of two people killed in a single-vehicle collision along Cottonwood Road in south Bakersfield Tuesday evening, according to a news release.
The tragedy unfolded shortly after 5 p.m. near the intersection of East Pacheco and Cottonwood roads.
According to initial reports, a Dodge pickup was traveling southbound along Cottonwood near East Pacheco when the driver attempted to pass other vehicles using a dirt shoulder of the roadway. At some point, the pickup's driver lost control, causing the vehicle to overturn with both the driver and a passenger being ejected, police said.
Tragically, the driver of the pickup and his passenger—Julio Alfonso Jr., 42, of Bakersfield—died from injuries.
Police are investigating the wreck.
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 Julio Alfonso Jr. 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).