Honda Odyssey was struck by a Nissan Sentra near Old River Road
August 28, 2026 | Bakersfield, CA
Raul Velasco Torres, 35, of Taft, was killed Aug. 28 when a Nissan Sentra crossed into oncoming traffic and struck a Honda Odyssey head-on on Copus Road in Bakersfield, officials said.
What happened in the crash?
Raul Velasco Torres, 35, of Taft, was killed after a 2003 Nissan Sentra crossed into the westbound lane of Copus Road and struck a 2005 Honda Odyssey head-on west of Old River Road.
- Date and time: Aug. 28 around 5:22 a.m.
- Location: Copus Road west of Old River Road, Bakersfield
- Vehicles: 2003 Nissan Sentra traveling east crossed into the westbound lane and struck a 2005 Honda Odyssey
- Fatalities: Driver of Nissan Sentra and driver of Honda Odyssey pronounced dead at the scene, one victim identified as 35-year-old Raul Velasco Torres of Taft
- Injuries: At least four people injured
- Investigation: California Highway Patrol responding, alcohol or drugs under review
Why do these accidents happen?
Centerline crossings remain a leading factor in severe collisions nationwide. Data from the Federal Highway Administration shows roadway departure crashes account for 51 percent of traffic deaths. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety report that head-on collisions represent just 2 percent of all crashes yet cause 10 percent of fatalities.
| Statistic | Percentage | Source |
|---|
| Roadway departure deaths | 51% | Federal Highway Administration |
| Head-on share of fatalities | 10% | NHTSA / IIHS |
| Head-on share of crashes | 2% | NHTSA / IIHS |
Legal Insights
In cases such as this, an independent investigation helps protect the rights of those affected. Time remains critical for preserving evidence after a serious collision.
“Time is of the essence in cases such as this, and the family of the victim must ensure that evidence is reviewed efficiently,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal. “An accident reconstruction team is sometimes needed to help piece together what happened. All of these resources are necessary for helping clients receive monetary compensation for damages or a loss following a collision.”
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. “We understand just what families are forced to go through, and having their rights protected is vital.”
Key takeaways
- Prompt evidence collection supports any potential claim
- Reconstruction specialists can clarify the sequence of the crash
- Families may pursue damages for loss of companionship and emotional distress
(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)
Newsline - is your trusted source for legal news and accident reports, delivering timely updates to keep you informed.
If you or a family member has been affected by a similar incident, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation. Use the contact information provided on this page.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).
Tags: Latest News, Non Commercial, Motor Vehicle Accident, California, Copus Road, west of Old River Road, Bakersfield