Two Children Died In Bakersfield Car Accident With Frontloader (Bulldozer) On James Road Near Highway 65
BAKERSFIELD, CALIFORNIA (May 21, 2022) – Two children have tragically died and two other children were injured in a Bakersfield car accident with a bulldozer on James Road.
Kern County police officials are saying that the collision took place around 3:43 p.m. on Tuesday. A 14-year-old boy was driving a Nissan along James Road.
The driver of a bulldozer was stopped at the edge of James Road when it suddenly pulled directly into the path of the Nissan. The driver of the Nissan took evasive action in order to avoid a collision but still hit the side of the construction equipment.
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision not far from Airport Road in order to help all of the victims. The 14-year-old and a 9-year-old passenger were taken to Kern Medical in Bakersfield for treatment.
Despite life-saving measures, a 10-year-old boy and an 11-year-old girl died due to their injuries. It remains unclear if the driver of the bulldozer will face any citations following the crash.
Liability In Bakersfield Frontloader Accidents
Bulldozers can be very dangerous vehicles for a number of reasons. They are large and do not control like cars which can make them unwieldy to operate. They also have large blind spots especially in the front where the blade is carried. There are a number of steps that bulldozer operators and construction companies should take in order to avoid causing accidents.
- Bulldozer operators should always check their surroundings before moving.
- All construction workers should maintain good communication with one another.
- A safety supervisor should oversee construction work to ensure OSHA regulations are being followed.
All construction workers must exercise due care as they go about their duties. They must follow all traffic regulations when they bring their construction equipment into the roadway. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 21804, the driver of any vehicle about to enter or cross a highway from any public or private roadway must yield the right-of-way to all traffic close enough so as to pose an immediate hazard. If a bulldozer driver enters traffic into the path of another vehicle, they could be held at fault in the event of a collision.
The construction company that employed any construction worker could also face liability in the event of a crash. Companies are typically liable for the negligent actions of their employees performing their job duties. Consider, for example, Daniels v. Select Portfolio Servicing, Inc., “It is a settled rule of the law of agency that a principal is responsible to third persons for the ordinary contracts and obligations of his agent with third persons made in the course of the business of the agency and within the scope of the agent’s powers as such.” There are a number of steps that should be taken after any car accident by a construction site.
- Surveillance footage of the accident site should be sought.
- Work records of the construction company involved should be reviewed.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- Photos of the accident site should be kept.
Bulldozer operators will typically need a commercial license and are held to a high standard in terms of safety. If they cause an accident that kills someone, they can be held to account through California Code of Civil Procedure 377.60. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills, funeral expenses and pain and suffering. Sadly, though, construction companies will often fight hard to deny liability for any accident involving their driver. A construction safety expert can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Bakersfield Bulldozer Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the families of the children that died in this horrific crash. It is our sincere hope that the other children involved will be able to make a full recovery. There needs to be some accountability on the part of the construction company that operated this bulldozer. This was a preventable tragedy that should not have taken place.
Do you need more information about a Bakersfield car accident? Our team of road safety experts are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that negligent drivers are held to account for their actions. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into an accident we are here for you. You’re always welcome to reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
