BAKERSFIELD, Kern County, Calif., Nov. 11, 2026 — Two vehicles collided on Monday evening, November 9, on northbound State Route 99 just north of South Union Avenue, according to the California Highway Patrol. Airbags deployed in the crash, and at least one vehicle struck a guardrail on the right shoulder.
The CHP's traffic log indicates a silver Lexus sedan and a pickup truck were involved, with a gray sedan reportedly spinning out and crashing into the right shoulder guardrail. An earlier entry in the log described a white pickup colliding with a gray sedan, suggesting the pickup may have been the vehicle the sedan struck before leaving the roadway.
Emergency crews requested a tow before later canceling it, and a fire department unit responded to the scene.
The crash remains under review. Our thoughts are with those who were injured, and we wish them a full recovery.
Crash Reports and Road Safety in Bakersfield, CA
This crash happened at State Route 99 and South Union Avenue in Bakersfield, CA. Readers following crash news in Kern County can find city-level information on our Bakersfield accident resource page, including how to request a report.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do most traffic accidents happen?
Many crashes occur on highways and major arterial roads, particularly near interchanges, on-ramps and intersections where vehicles merge or change speed quickly.
How can drivers reduce their crash risk?
Maintaining a safe following distance, staying alert for sudden lane changes, and slowing down in heavy traffic or construction zones can help avoid collisions.
What injuries are most common in car accidents?
Common injuries include whiplash, head and neck injuries, broken bones and bruising from airbag deployment or impact with the vehicle interior.
What are the most common causes of car accidents?
Frequent causes include distracted driving, following too closely, speeding and sudden lane changes, though the cause of any specific crash is determined by investigators.
