Three people were killed in a head-on crash on Highway 46 on New Years Day. The fatal accident occurred just after 10 a.m. on Friday, January 1, 20910 in Kern County, just eastbound of the San Luis Obispo - Kern County Line.
According to California Highway Patrol reports, Herculano Hernandez, 23, of Delano, driving a 2000 Ford eastbound on Highway 47, rear-ended a Honda travelling in front of it. The collision sent the Honda into westbound lanes, causing it to crash head-on into a westbound truck. Hernandez was not injured in the crash and was arrested at the scene. He faces charges of felony driving under the influence causing injuries or death.
The victims in the Honda included a 21-year-old Shandon man and his 49-year-old mother. Both died at the scene of the crash. The driver of the truck, a 71-year-old Bakersfield man, was taken to Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno, where he died. His 68-year-old wife was taken to Twin Cities Community Hospital with major injuries.
KGET news reported that Hernandez had a BAC (blood alcohol content) over the legal limit and was probably speeding. In a jailhouse interview, Hernandez admitted to drinking earlier that morning with friends. The CHP also said that Hernandez had a prior DUI conviction, and when arrested, had been driving without a license.
If the news reports of this accident are correct, the driver of the Ford is likely at fault for the collision. The families of those killed in the crash, as well as those injured, would be well advised to consult with a California drunk driving accident attorney to review their legal rights. They may be entitled to compensation for injuries and wrongful death.
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