Bakersfield, CA - Several Hurt in Plane Crash at E Lerdo Hwy

Bakersfield, CA (February 9, 2025) – Two people survived a plane crash on February 9 in Shafter, the Kern County Fire Department said.

Emergency crews were called to the East Lerdo Highway south of Minter Field Airport at around 11:15 a.m. Officials said KCFD crews arrived and found the downed aircraft in a vegetable field. Two people were already out of the plane and refused treatment, according to a fire department statement.

Initial reports from firefighters stated that an unknown number of people were taken to the hospital. Meanwhile, the cause of the crash is under investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration, and no additional information has been disclosed in the interim.

Our thoughts are with those injured in this incident, and we hope for their fast recovery.

Aviation Accidents in California

Small plane crashes are rare but often result in devastating consequences for victims and their families. In California, a hub for private aviation, these incidents raise significant legal questions about liability and compensation. From mechanical failures to pilot error, determining the cause of a crash is a crucial step in pursuing justice.

Victims of small plane crashes may face catastrophic injuries, mounting medical bills, and emotional trauma. In cases involving fatalities, families may pursue wrongful death claims. Under California law, potential defendants can include the pilot, plane owner, aircraft manufacturer, or maintenance providers, depending on the crash's circumstances. Aviation law often intersects with personal injury law, requiring an understanding of both federal regulations and state negligence standards.

Plaintiffs must typically prove that the responsible party’s negligence contributed to the crash or that a defective component caused the accident. Working with experienced attorneys can help ensure access to critical evidence, including flight records, maintenance logs, and expert testimony.

Compensation in these cases may cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and punitive damages in cases of gross negligence. For victims and their families, understanding their legal rights is essential to navigating the aftermath of a tragedy and achieving fair restitution.

Moreover, consulting qualified legal counsel as soon as possible after being involved in an accident, whether it be for yourself or a loved one, can be an important step toward rehabilitation and the pursuit of justice. Please get in touch with our Bakersfield personal injury attorneys at Countrywide Trial Lawyers as soon as possible. Give us a call at 844-844-9119 to receive the compassionate and individualized guidance that you are entitled to right away.