Joel Sanchez Perez died in wrong-way crash on Highway 99

Vehicle struck by northbound Tesla in southbound lanes near Delano

April 04, 2026 | Bakersfield, CA

A tragic wrong-way crash near Highway 99 and Ninth Avenue in Delano claimed the life of Joel Salomon Sanchez Perez, a 55-year-old Vallejo resident, late Saturday evening. 

The California Highway Patrol reported that the incident involved multiple vehicles and resulted in several injuries.

Joel Salomon Sanchez Perez, 55, died after a Tesla traveling the wrong way struck a Nissan Frontier in a multi-vehicle crash on Highway 99 in Delano.

What Happened in the Crash?

The collision unfolded around 9:17 p.m. when a 2024 Tesla Model X, driven by a 28-year-old Shafter resident, traveled northbound in the southbound lanes of Highway 99. The vehicle struck a Nissan Frontier head-on, leading to a secondary collision with a following Dodge Charger.

• Victim: Joel Salomon Sanchez Perez, passenger in the Nissan Frontier, pronounced dead at the scene.
• Injuries in Nissan: The driver and another passenger suffered major injuries and were hospitalized.
• Injuries in Dodge Charger: Four occupants sustained minor injuries.
• Tesla Driver: Arrested on suspicion of felony DUI and manslaughter, and no injuries reported for the driver.

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances, including potential impairment factors.

Why Do Wrong-Way Crashes Occur on Highways Like 99?

Wrong-way driving incidents often stem from factors such as alcohol impairment, disorientation at exits, or signage issues. In this case, the driver's alleged intoxication played a central role, highlighting ongoing risks on major routes like Highway 99.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), impaired driving contributed to over 10,000 fatalities nationwide in recent years. These preventable tragedies underscore the need for heightened enforcement and public awareness.

Legal Insights

National legal analysts emphasize the importance of thorough investigations in impaired driving cases to uncover all contributing elements, such as blood-alcohol levels.

“Drunken and drugged drivers face criminal charges after accidents that harm or kill others,” noted Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal. “Families of victims may seek compensation via civil lawsuits against the at-fault party.”

• Independent investigations help identify road conditions, vehicle defects, or driver errors beyond impairment.
• Civil actions can cover medical costs, lost companionship, and emotional distress for affected families.
• Attorneys play a vital role in advocating for accountability in motor vehicle incidents.

“A wrongful death occurs when negligence leads to a fatality, often from unsafe driving practices like DUI,” explained Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. “Survivors may pursue claims for funeral expenses, pain, and suffering.”

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