Bakersfield, CA (March 19, 2025) – A 75-year-old man, identified as Leland Wayne Ramsey of Bakersfield, died on March 22, 2025, after sustaining injuries in a multi-vehicle crash on Wilson Road a few days earlier.
Accident Details: The Bakersfield Police Department (BPD) responded to the accident on March 19, 2025, around 7:30 a.m. Officers arrived at the scene near the intersection of Wilson Road and Hughes Lane and found a collision involving three vehicles.
Preliminary findings indicate that a vehicle approaching the intersection rear-ended another vehicle, causing that vehicle to collide with the car in front of it. Ramsey, the driver of the middle vehicle, was transported to the hospital for treatment but sadly succumbed to his injuries three days later.
No arrests have been made, and authorities do not believe alcohol played a role in the collision.
Investigation and Legal Considerations: Multi-vehicle rear-end collisions often raise complex legal questions regarding liability. In this case, investigators will need to determine several factors. They will look to the first driver. Were they distracted, speeding, or following too closely?
Investigators may also consider factors such as road conditions, visibility, and any mechanical defects that could have contributed to the incident.
Defining fault in rear-end collisions involving multiple vehicles can be complex. Investigators will examine evidence from skid marks and vehicle damage to help determine whether drivers had time to react. They may also review traffic signals, traffic footage, and assess whether external factors contributed to the crash.
Depending on the investigation’s findings, Ramsey’s family may have grounds to pursue a wrongful death claim. They may be able to seek compensation for funeral and burial expenses, loss of companionship and emotional support, and loss of financial support.
I offer my condolences to the family and friends of Leland Wayne Ramsey.
Source: Bakersfield Now