Taft Highway (State Route 119) west of Harrison Road: a pickup and a sedan collided head-on, killing three men, and a third driver was hurt by debris
TAFT, CALIFORNIA (September 26, 2026): Brothers Jose Ivan Martinez Birrueta, 29, and Nathan Steve Martinez, 26, both of Bakersfield, were killed Saturday night, September 26, in a head-on crash on Taft Highway (State Route 119) near Harrison Road, north of Taft, according to the California Highway Patrol and the Kern County Coroner’s Office, as reported by BakersfieldNow and KGET. The driver of the other vehicle, a Taft man, also died.
The CHP said officers were called at about 7:41 p.m. to a three-vehicle crash west of Harrison Road. According to the CHP’s preliminary investigation, the Taft man was driving a 2020 Ford Ranger eastbound, while Martinez Birrueta was driving a 2015 Mercedes sedan westbound with his brother in the front passenger seat. A Santa Maria woman in a 2018 Honda HR-V was traveling westbound directly behind the Mercedes. For reasons still under investigation, the Ford and the Mercedes collided head-on, the CHP said.
All three men were pronounced dead at the scene. The Honda passed through the crash scene and was struck by debris, and its driver suffered major injuries and was taken to a hospital, according to the CHP. The coroner’s office has not yet released the name of the Ford’s driver pending confirmation and notification of his family.
The CHP said it is still investigating whether alcohol or drugs played a role. The crash is being handled by the CHP Buttonwillow Area office, and anyone with information is asked to call 661-764-5580.
Liability for the Taft Highway Head-On Crash
California Vehicle Code § 21650 generally requires drivers to stay on the right half of the roadway, and under Civil Code § 1714 every driver is responsible for harm caused by a lack of ordinary care. When a driver who caused a crash also dies, Probate Code § 550 generally allows a claim to be pursued against that driver’s liability insurance. The civil questions in this crash typically include:
- Which vehicle crossed over: The CHP has not said which vehicle left its lane. Tire marks, debris location and the final resting positions of the Ford and the Mercedes are key to that answer.
- Impairment: Toxicology results for the drivers will be reviewed because the CHP is still examining whether alcohol or drugs were involved.
- Claims for the passenger: Nathan Steve Martinez was a passenger. A passenger’s family may have claims against any driver found at fault, and the policies on both vehicles may be relevant.
- The injured Honda driver: The Santa Maria woman who was hurt by debris generally has her own injury claim against the driver or drivers responsible for the head-on collision.
Families of those killed may bring wrongful death claims under Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60. Because three people died and a fourth was badly hurt, available insurance may have to be divided among several claims, which makes early organization important.
Steps to Take After a Taft Highway Crash
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, crashes on rural roads account for a disproportionate share of traffic deaths compared with the number of miles driven on them, and head-on collisions are among the most severe. These steps can help families protect their rights.
- Request the CHP report: Ask the CHP Buttonwillow Area office for the Traffic Collision Report, which will include measurements, vehicle positions and witness statements.
- Obtain coroner records: Request the Kern County Coroner’s findings and any toxicology results once they are final.
- Identify all insurance: Gather policy information for the Ford, the Mercedes and any household policies with uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.
- Preserve the vehicles: Ask that the vehicles be kept, not salvaged, until they can be inspected, including any event data they recorded.
Wrongful death and personal injury claims generally must be filed within two years under Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. If road design or a public agency is involved, a government claim is generally due within six months under Government Code § 911.2. Contact an attorney promptly to protect your rights.
Investigating the Taft Highway Crash
We at Carrazco Law, A.P.C. extend our deepest condolences to the family of Jose Ivan Martinez Birrueta and Nathan Steve Martinez, and to the family of the Taft man who also lost his life. Key questions remain: Which vehicle crossed into the opposing lane west of Harrison Road, and why? And what will toxicology results show about the drivers?
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car, truck or pedestrian accident anywhere in California, our personal injury attorneys can help you understand your rights and legal options. Call us anytime at (800) 541-3244. Se Habla Español. Free consultation.
Published on September 30, 2026 by M.M., Carrazco Law, A.P.C. The incident described in this article occurred on September 26, 2026.
