Last updated: November 13, 2026
Three women from Bakersfield died when a wrong-way BMW struck their Honda on southbound Highway 99 near 7th Standard Road. The victims were a mother and her two daughters. The California Highway Patrol has named the man behind the wheel, and the Kern County Coroner has released all three names. Here is what happened, what the law says, and what your family can do next.
By Ben Marmont, Fairmont Law Firm
Three women from Bakersfield died in a fiery wrong-way crash on southbound Highway 99 near 7th Standard Road early on Sunday, August 16, 2026. The California Highway Patrol says 44-year-old Jamie Rodriguez of Tulare drove a BMW north in the southbound lanes and hit a 2022 Honda Accord head-on. Inside the Honda were Vanessa Sue Wetmore, 41, and her daughters Kylie Wetmore, 20, and Kloie Wetmore, 16. All three died at the scene. Two people in the BMW went to a hospital with major injuries. No criminal charges have been filed, and the investigation is still open.
The three were driving home from a concert in Fresno. The night out was a birthday celebration for Kloie. She would have turned 17 the following Thursday.
One wrong decision on a divided highway ended three lives and wrecked a family. It also raises urgent questions about your rights after a fatal California car accident.
If your family is facing this kind of loss, contact Fairmont Law Firm now. We offer a free case evaluation, 24/7 availability, and zero fees until we win.
What Happened in the Highway 99 Crash Near Bakersfield?
The first report from ABC30 went out within hours of the crash. CHP says the call came in at about 12:44 a.m. on Sunday, August 16, 2026.
Three vehicles were involved on southbound Highway 99, just north of 7th Standard Road in Kern County:
- A 2022 Honda Accord driven by 20-year-old Kylie Wetmore.
- A 2019 BMW 530i driven by 44-year-old Jamie Rodriguez of Tulare.
- A 2022 Chevrolet Colorado with two people inside.
For nearly a week, CHP had not said which vehicle was traveling the wrong way. On August 21, the agency confirmed it was the BMW. Rodriguez was heading north in the southbound lanes when he hit the Honda.
The Honda caught fire on impact. All three women inside died at the scene.
The Kern County Coroner identified them as Vanessa Sue Wetmore, 41, Kylie Wetmore, 20, and Kloie Wetmore, 16. Kylie was driving. Her mother and her younger sister were passengers.
A GoFundMe fundraiser organized by Dale Schoettler says the three were driving home from a Fresno concert. The trip was a birthday celebration for Kloie.
The Wrong-Way Driver and His Passenger Suffered Major Injuries
Rodriguez and a passenger in his BMW were taken to a hospital with major injuries, according to CHP.
Rodriguez has not been charged with a crime. The Kern County District Attorney's Office told BakersfieldNow in late August that it had not received a criminal complaint from CHP.
A criminal case and a civil case move on separate tracks. Prosecutors must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. A family pursuing a wrongful death claim only has to show that the other driver was negligent. That is a much lower bar.
The force in a head-on crash at highway speed is enormous. Both vehicles are moving toward each other, so the energy of the impact doubles. That is why survivors often need surgery, rehabilitation, and months away from work.
Chevrolet Colorado Occupants Reported Minor Injuries
Two people inside the Chevrolet Colorado suffered minor injuries.
Even injuries described as “minor” require attention. Symptoms can appear hours or days after a crash. Neck pain, back pain, headaches, and emotional distress often develop later.
You should never ignore symptoms after a high-impact collision. You should also document every medical visit and follow your doctor’s instructions.
CHP Investigation Remains Open
The California Highway Patrol is still investigating. As of November 13, 2026, no criminal charges have been filed, and the district attorney has not received a complaint from CHP.
Investigators have not announced whether alcohol, drugs, fatigue, or distraction played a role. Toxicology results can take weeks or months to come back.
The physical evidence will decide this case. Investigators review vehicle damage, roadway markings, witness accounts, surveillance video, phone records, and crash data from the BMW.
If you saw this crash, write down what you remember now. Note the time, the lanes, the vehicle colors, the headlights, and anything the driver did before impact.
Then call the CHP Bakersfield Area office. Your account can help establish the truth.
Why Wrong-Way Head-On Crashes Are So Deadly
Wrong-way crashes are rare. Their consequences are often catastrophic.
The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety studied every fatal wrong-way crash on divided highways in the United States from 2010 through 2018. It found 2,921 fatal wrong-way crashes and 3,885 deaths. That averages 430 deaths every year.
More than half of those killed, 52.8%, were the wrong-way drivers themselves. Another 5.7% were their passengers. Roughly 4 in 10, or 41.1%, were people in the other vehicles. That last group is the reason this crash type matters so much to innocent families.
The Federal Highway Administration puts the national toll at roughly 300 to 400 deaths each year in wrong-way freeway crashes.
Impairment is the strongest predictor. The AAA Foundation found that a driver with a blood alcohol concentration at or above 0.08% was 18 times more likely to be the wrong-way driver than a sober one.
Timing matters too. In Kern County, state data counts 654 fatal and injury collisions in the 9 p.m. to 2:59 a.m. window in 2023, ranking the county 50th of 58 for nighttime crashes. Alcohol-involved collisions injured or killed 813 people in Kern County that year.
Weekends create even more danger. Impaired driving, fatigue, poor visibility, and lighter traffic enforcement combine during late-night travel.
A driver entering a freeway ramp incorrectly may not realize the mistake. The driver may see headlights but react too late.
You can reduce your risk with simple decisions.
How You Can Protect Yourself From Wrong-Way Drivers
Stay Alert During Late-Night Driving
Avoid driving late at night when you feel tired. Fatigue slows your reactions and reduces your ability to recognize danger.
If you feel drowsy, exit the freeway. Stop at a safe location and rest before continuing.
Never rely on loud music or open windows to stay awake. Those methods do not restore safe driving ability.
Watch for Headlights in Your Lane
Pay attention to approaching headlights. Headlights moving toward you on a divided freeway signal immediate danger.
Do not assume the other vehicle will correct course.
Reduce your speed. Move toward the right shoulder if you can do so safely. Avoid swerving across multiple lanes.
Call 911 when you reach a safe location. Report the vehicle’s direction, location, and description.
Never Drive Impaired
Alcohol and drugs destroy judgment. They also impair vision, coordination, and reaction time.
Do not drive after drinking or using drugs. Arrange a sober ride, use a rideshare service, or stay where you are.
You protect yourself and everyone sharing the road.
Follow “Wrong Way” and “Do Not Enter” Signs
If you accidentally enter a freeway exit ramp, stop immediately.
Do not continue driving. Turn on your hazard lights and call 911. Follow instructions from emergency personnel.
If you see a wrong-way warning while driving, treat it as an emergency. Slow down, move away from approaching traffic, and exit the roadway when safe.
What Are Your Legal Rights After a Fatal California Car Accident?
A fatal crash can leave your family facing grief, funeral costs, lost income, and unanswered questions.
California law gives eligible family members the right to pursue a wrongful death claim under Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60. The claim seeks compensation for losses caused by another person's careless, reckless, or unlawful conduct.
Eligible family members may include:
- A surviving spouse or registered domestic partner.
- Children or grandchildren.
- Certain parents, siblings, or other heirs.
- People who depended financially on the person who died.
The exact right to file depends on your family relationship and the circumstances. A California wrongful death attorney can identify the proper claimants.
Which Traffic Laws Apply to a Wrong-Way Crash?
Vehicle Code § 21651 makes it unlawful to drive on the wrong side of a divided highway. When a driver breaks that rule, the break itself is powerful evidence of fault.
Vehicle Code § 23152 prohibits driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If toxicology confirms impairment, that violation supports a negligence claim on its own.
California courts also apply the doctrine of negligence per se under Evidence Code § 669. When someone violates a safety statute designed to protect people like you, and that violation causes your injury, the violation counts as a presumption of negligence.
You also keep the right to full compensation. California follows pure comparative fault under Civil Code § 1431.2, so your recovery drops only by your own share of fault, if any.
What Compensation Can a Wrongful Death Claim Include?
A claim may seek compensation for:
- Funeral and burial expenses.
- Loss of financial support.
- Lost employment benefits.
- Loss of household services.
- Loss of love, companionship, care, and guidance.
- Loss of protection and emotional support.
A wrongful death case does not replace your loved one. It holds the responsible party financially accountable.
California generally gives families two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit under Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. That means a claim tied to this August 16, 2026 crash would generally need to be filed by August 16, 2028.
Special deadlines apply when a government agency may share responsibility. Under Government Code § 911.2, you must file a claim with the public entity within six months. Highway design and signage questions can bring a public entity into a case.
Do not wait for the insurance company to explain your rights. Insurers protect their profits first. They may push a quick settlement before your family understands the full value of its losses.
Injured Survivors Also Have Legal Rights
If you survived this crash or another wrong-way collision, you can pursue compensation for injuries caused by another party.
Potential damages may include:
- Emergency treatment and ongoing medical care.
- Future rehabilitation and medical needs.
- Lost wages and reduced earning ability.
- Vehicle damage and other property losses.
- Physical pain and emotional trauma.
California follows comparative negligence rules. An insurance company may try to blame you for part of the crash.
That accusation does not end your case. We investigate the evidence and fight to prevent unfair blame from reducing your recovery.
What Should You Do After a Serious Wrong-Way Crash?
Move fast. Evidence in a freeway case disappears quickly once the lanes reopen and the tow trucks clear the scene.
[ ] Call 911 and let paramedics evaluate you, even if you feel fine
[ ] Follow up with a doctor within 24 to 48 hours and report every symptom
[ ] Photograph the vehicles, the lanes, the signs, and the ramp you came from
[ ] Collect names and phone numbers from every witness you can find
[ ] Save your medical bills, pay stubs, and insurance letters in one folder
[ ] Do not give a recorded statement or sign a settlement offer
Step 1: Get emergency medical care. Call 911 and allow paramedics to evaluate you. Follow up with your doctor even if symptoms seem manageable. Adrenaline hides injuries, and neck, back, and head symptoms can appear days later.
Step 2: Preserve evidence. Save photographs, medical records, repair estimates, witness information, and insurance messages. Request the CHP traffic collision report as soon as it is available.
Step 3: Contact a California accident attorney. A legal team can investigate before evidence disappears. We can also handle insurance companies while you focus on recovery.
Fairmont Law Firm Fights for California Accident Victims
Fairmont Law Firm focuses exclusively on injury cases across all 58 California counties.
We represent families after fatal car accidents. We also represent injured drivers, passengers, and other crash victims.
Our team has recovered millions for clients. Published results include:
- $4 million after a serious rear-end collision.
- $2.95 million after a driver ran a red light.
- $2.7 million after a three-vehicle crash.
Past results do not guarantee a result in your case. They demonstrate our commitment to aggressive preparation and strong advocacy.
When you need a personal injury lawyer California families can reach after a devastating crash, we are available 24/7.
When you search for a car accident attorney California victims can trust, start with a free case evaluation.
You pay zero fees until we win. We also provide bilingual support. Se habla español.
Contact Fairmont Law Firm for a free case evaluation. We serve injured people and families throughout California.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is investigating the Highway 99 crash?
The California Highway Patrol is investigating, and the case remains open. Anyone with information should contact the CHP Bakersfield Area office.
Have the victims been officially identified?
Yes. The Kern County Coroner's Office identified Vanessa Sue Wetmore, 41, Kylie Wetmore, 20, and Kloie Wetmore, 16, all of Bakersfield. Kylie was the driver of the Honda Accord. Her mother and sister were passengers.
Has the wrong-way driver been charged?
No. CHP named Jamie Rodriguez, 44, of Tulare as the driver of the BMW that was traveling the wrong way. No criminal charges have been filed, and the investigation continues. A civil claim can move forward without a criminal charge.
Can family members sue after a fatal California car accident?
Yes. Eligible surviving family members can bring a wrongful death claim under Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60 when another party's conduct caused the death. Damages can include funeral and burial costs, lost financial support, lost household services, and loss of love, companionship, and guidance.
How long do you have to file a California wrongful death claim?
The general deadline is two years from the date of death under Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. Special rules can create much shorter deadlines, including the six-month government claim deadline under Government Code § 911.2. Contact an attorney immediately.
Do injured crash survivors have a claim?
Yes. Injured survivors can seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain, emotional trauma, and other losses caused by the collision.
How much does Fairmont Law Firm charge?
You pay nothing upfront. Fairmont Law Firm works on a contingency basis with zero fees until we win.
You Do Not Have to Face This Fight Alone
The deaths on Highway 99 have devastated the Wetmore family and everyone who loved them.
That family deserves answers and accountability. The injured survivors deserve care and fair compensation.
If someone else caused your family's loss or your serious injuries, act now. Evidence disappears. Insurance companies move quickly. Your legal rights matter today.
Request your free case evaluation. Fairmont Law Firm is available 24/7, serves all 58 California counties, and charges zero fees until we win.
Disclaimer
This article is general information about California law and a reported Kern County crash. It is not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship with Fairmont Law Firm. Every case turns on its own facts, and deadlines can be shorter than the general rules described here. If you lost a loved one or were hurt in a collision, speak with a licensed California injury attorney about your situation. Information in this post comes from the California Highway Patrol, the Kern County Coroner's Office, ABC30, BakersfieldNow, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, the Federal Highway Administration, and the California Office of Traffic Safety, and was current as of November 13, 2026.