Wrong-way Tesla crash in Delano kills Joel Sanchez Perez , several hurt

clock Created with Sketch Beta. April 09, 2026
Wrong-way Tesla crash in Delano kills Joel Sanchez Perez , several hurt

BAKERSFIELD, CA (April 04, 2026) – A 55-year-old Vallejo man was killed Saturday night in a wrong-way crash involving multiple vehicles on Highway 99 near Delano, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP).

The victim was identified as Joel Salomon Sanchez Perez.

Authorities said a 2024 Tesla Model X was traveling northbound in the southbound lanes of Highway 99 near Ninth Avenue when it collided with a Nissan Frontier at approximately 9:17 p.m. A Dodge Charger traveling behind the Nissan subsequently struck the vehicle.

Perez, a passenger in the Nissan, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver and another passenger in the Nissan sustained major injuries and were transported to a hospital.


CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED

Drunk driving continues to take lives on U.S. roadways despite ongoing awareness efforts, strict laws, and alarming statistics. Tragically, many of these incidents are entirely preventable. In 2023, one person was killed in a drunk-driving crash every 42 minutes in the United States, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

An independent investigation will be necessary to uncover additional contributing factors, including the results of tests conducted to determine the driver’s blood-alcohol concentration.

“Drivers who operate vehicles while impaired by alcohol or drugs can face serious criminal charges when their actions result in injury or death,” said Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal. “Beyond criminal proceedings, families of victims may also pursue compensation through civil litigation against the responsible party.”

“An attorney can serve as an advocate during this difficult time, helping victims and their families navigate the legal process while ensuring that impaired drivers are held accountable for their actions,” Bond added.


WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM

Pending the results of the investigation, the family members of Joel Salomon Sanchez Perez may be eligible to pursue a wrongful death claim. Compensation may include funeral expenses, medical costs, loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.

“A wrongful death occurs when a person loses their life due to the negligent or wrongful actions of another party,” said Stefano Formica, of Counsel with Bond Legal.

“In cases involving fatal vehicle crashes caused by unsafe driving behaviors such as speeding, distraction, or driving under the influence, families often have the right to file a civil lawsuit against the at-fault driver.”


(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)


If your loved one has been killed by a drunken driver and would like a no-cost consultation, please contact our national legal analyst Candice Bond today

(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Accident Injury News 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 866-986-7738 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).

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