Bakersfield, CA (March 30, 2024) – A tragic head-on collision on Highway 178 near Doyle Ranch Road resulted in the death of 42-year-old Onyx resident Sean Gordon Stewart and left others injured.
Accident Details: According to California Highway Patrol (CHP) reports, the incident occurred around 10:30 a.m. when 22-year-old Glenn Dale Watson, traveling westbound on Highway 178, collided with Stewart’s vehicle. Watson is accused of driving on the wrong side of the highway and causing the fatal accident. Stewart was pronounced dead at the scene. A passenger in Stewart’s vehicle sustained serious injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Watson, also from Onyx, and a passenger in his vehicle were seriously injured in the crash. Watson faces various charges, including three counts of driving the wrong way on a divided highway causing injury as well as reckless driving. Prosecutors have also filed a charge of vehicular manslaughter against Watson. Court records indicate that Watson is due back in court next month to face these charges.
Legal Considerations: As a personal injury attorney, I find that several aspects of this case warrant further examination. A key element is whether Watson’s actions were negligent or reckless. As alleged in this case, driving on the wrong side of a divided highway strongly suggests a breach of duty of care owed to other road users. This breach is a fundamental component in proving negligence.
Additionally, the vehicular manslaughter charge implies that Watson’s conduct directly led to Stewart’s death. Prosecutors will need to demonstrate that Watson’s wrong-way driving was the proximate cause of the fatal collision.
In addition to the criminal charges Watson faces, Stewart’s family may be able to file a wrongful death claim, and the injured parties may be able to file personal injury claims. These two civil claims allow for compensation recovery against the negligent party.
My sincerest condolences go to Sean Gordon Stewart’s family and friends during this difficult time. I wish the injured parties a fast recovery.
Source: KGET