Fatal Big Rig Crash Leaves 1 Dead and 1 Injured in Buttonwillow 

A big rig and Ford collided in Bakersfield on Wednesday morning, leaving one dead and one injured. 

According to CHP, the wreck took place on September 7th around 6:45 a.m. 

It was on Copus Road where the accident occurred in Buttonwillow. 

55-year-old Elvira Lopez was the driver of the Ford and her vehicle collided with a big rig driven by Juan Ledezma, 43. 

Upon impact, the Ford was sent off the roadway and it overturned as a result.

Unfortunately, an unidentified female passenger in the Ford died at the scene. 

Lopez was hospitalized with moderate injuries and Ledezma sustained minor injuries. 

Investigators are actively working to determine fault for the crash. 

Larger trucks typically weigh 20-30 times as much as passenger cars which leaves occupants of smaller cars more vulnerable. 

It is also much more difficult for larger trucks to stop so their braking capability can also be a factor in these collisions. 

According to the D.O.T., in 2019 67% of fatal collisions involving large trucks were occupants of a passenger car.

If your injuries are caused by the negligence of a third party you may be entitled to compensation. In the event of a death, families may be entitled to wrongful death benefits.

Contact JT Legal Group at (888) 529-3111 if you need legal assistance following an accident.