Matilde Munoz Santillano Died in McFarland Truck Accident by Garzoli Avenue and Whisler Road
MCFARLAND, CALIFORNIA (March 18, 2026) – A woman identified as Matilde Santillano has tragically died in a McFarland truck accident by Garzoli Avenue and Whisler Road.
Kern County officials are saying that the collision took place around 6:00 a.m. on Thursday. Matilde Santillano was a passenger in a vehicle that was hit by a truck.
Paramedics were called to the scene of the collision to help the victims. Despite life-saving measures, Matilde Santillano was pronounced dead at the scene.
A full investigation into the crash remains ongoing at this time.
Liability for Kern County Truck Accidents
Every driver in California has a legal obligation to use caution to avoid hitting other people on the roadway. According to California Vehicle Code 21801, “The driver of a vehicle intending to turn to the left or to complete a U-turn upon a highway, or to turn left into public or private property, or an alley, shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles approaching from the opposite direction which are close enough to constitute a hazard at any time during the turning movement.” Drivers should take several actions to avoid accidents.
- Horn: Drivers should use their horn when necessary to alert other drivers when necessary.
- Blind Spots: Drivers should check their blind spots before making turns at an intersection.
- Speed: Drivers should maintain a safe speed at all times given the prevailing road conditions.
If a driver makes an unsafe maneuver and collides with another vehicle, this could serve as evidence of negligence. There could be several liable parties for any truck accident in California. This includes the company that owned or operates a truck. Generally speaking, employers in California can be vicariously 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 Truck Accidents
A fully loaded commercial truck can weigh 80,000 lbs. Even smaller pickup trucks can still be very dangerous for those in passenger vehicles. According to National Public Radio, “American cars and trucks keep getting bigger — and new research suggests that additional height comes at a steep cost to safety.” Certain action should be taken after any truck accident.
- All medical records related to the injury should be collected.
- The police report associated with the crash should be sought.
- The family of any person who died should seek an independent review of the crash by a team with experience and negligence claims.
It has been estimated that 93% of all car accidents involve some amount of human error. For example, drivers may not properly scan the road ahead of them for potential hazards. Another major problem is that drivers often fail to follow other vehicles at a safe distance. No matter how an accident took place, victims and their surviving family members may be able to pursue some measure of accountability and transparency through a civil claim.
Investigating Kern County Truck Accidents
We at Carrazco Law extend our deepest condolences to the family of Matilde Santillano. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to the police. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what went wrong. Many questions remain ongoing at this time.
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 those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (800) 541-3244.
