Esther Duran, 42, of Arvin, (Full Name: Esther Arizaga Duran) Died in Kern County Truck Accident by South Edison Road and Hermosa Road Near Lamont
KERN COUNTY, CALIFORNIA (January 6, 2026) – A woman identified as Esther Duran has died, and one other person was hospitalized in a Kern County semi-truck accident at South Edison Road and Hermosa Road.
Kern County officials are saying that the accident took place around 6:40 AM on December 29. A 19-year-old man from Wasco was operating a white International semi-tractor in the southbound lanes of South Edison Road.
That driver was involved in a collision with a 1992 white Toyota pickup truck transporting Esther Duran and a 22-year-old man. Paramedics were called to the scene of the accident to help the victims.
California Highway Patrol is saying that the driver of the Toyota sustained moderate injuries and was transported to Kern Medical. Sadly, Esther Duran died due to the severe nature of her injuries.
A full investigation into the Kern County truck accident remains ongoing at this time.
Liability for Kern County Semi-Truck Accidents
All truck drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care to avoid collisions. They must obey all traffic regulations. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 22450, “The driver of any vehicle approaching a stop sign at the entrance to, or within, an intersection shall stop at a limit line, if marked, otherwise before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection.” Truck drivers should take several other measures to prevent collisions.
- Blind Spots: Truck drivers should check their blind spots before proceeding through any intersection.
- Speed: Truck drivers must only operate their vehicles at a speed that is safe given the prevailing traffic and road conditions.
- Maintenance: Truck drivers should ensure their vehicles are routinely inspected and well maintained.
- Follow Distance: Truck drivers should maintain a safe following distance with every vehicle ahead of them at all times.
If a truck driver pulls into the path of another vehicle, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. Depending on the facts of any case, liability for a collision could extend beyond any driver deemed to be at fault. The company that a truck driver worked for could also be held at fault. Generally speaking, employers can be liable for the wrongful actions of their workers who were operating within the course and scope of their job duties.
Steps to Take After Kern County Semi-Truck Accidents
Though trucks account for a relatively small portion of the vehicles on the road, they are involved in a disproportionate number of fatal collisions. According to the FMCSA, “In 2022, 6,050 large trucks and buses were involved in fatal crashes, a 2-percent increase from 2021. From 2021 to 2022, large truck and bus fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled by all motor vehicles stayed the same at 0.192, 6 percent below the 21st-century peak of 0.205 in 2000.” It is important that certain actions are taken after any truck accident in Kern County.
- 911: The police should be called as early as possible to investigate the crash and help victims. They will create an accident report that can be useful down the road.
- Photos: Lots of photos of the accident site should be taken. These can help reveal what happened leading up to the crash.
- Surveillance Footage: Many traffic accidents are captured by surveillance footage from nearby businesses. This possibility should be investigated.
- Independent Review: Any person affected by a semi-truck accident should request an independent review of the collision by a team with experience in accident reconstruction and tort claims.
Accident reconstruction is the science of piecing together how a collision took place using math, physics, vehicle positioning, and other evidence. This can help reveal how a crash took place, even if there are no eyewitnesses. Truck accidents tend to be highly preventable. In many cases, they involve younger drivers that are far less experienced. Victims of these collisions are able to seek some measure of accountability through a civil claim. This right extends to the surviving family members of any person who dies in a truck accident.
Investigating Kern County Semi-Truck Accidents
We at Carrazco Law extend our deepest condolences to the family of Esther Duran. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to the California Highway Patrol. It is our sincere hope that steps are taken to prevent additional tragedies at this intersection. Many questions remain unanswered. What were the circumstances leading up to the crash? Is there a history of collisions at this particular intersection? What is the safety record of the company that owned the truck?
Do you need more information about a Kern County truck accident? Our team of accident investigators is here for you. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that truck companies are held accountable for their wrongful actions. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any particular incident, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (800) 541-3244.
