Fatal SR-14 Head-On Crash North of Backus Road in Mojave: 1 Dead, 1 Injured; CHP Seeks Witnesses

• SR-14 Head-On Collision North of Backus Road: What Happened
• What We Know So Far from CHP Mojave Area
• Local Roadway Context Near Mojave and California City
• Why Head-On Crashes Can Happen on Divided Highways
• Who To Call For Records and Official Information
• Immediate, Practical Steps Families and Injured Drivers Can Take
• Insurance, Evidence, and Protecting Your Rights
• Potential Civil Liability and Time Limits in California
• Common Losses Claimed After a Fatal or Serious-Injury Crash
• Community Safety Notes for the SR-14 Corridor
• For Witnesses: How to Share What You Saw
• Commentary from Gosuits Mojave, California Personal Injury Attorney
• Action Steps You Can Take Now

SR-14 Head-On Collision North of Backus Road: What Happened

On the night of December 14, 2025, around 9:28 p.m., a fatal two-vehicle collision occurred on State Route 14 northbound, just north of Backus Road in the Mojave area of Kern County. According to the California Highway Patrol Mojave Area, a white Chevrolet Malibu traveling southbound reportedly made an unsafe left movement, left the roadway, crossed the dirt center median, and entered the number one lane of northbound SR-14. A blue Mercedes-Benz traveling in that northbound lane struck the Malibu head-on. The driver of the Chevrolet Malibu, identified in the preliminary summary as John Doe, died from crash injuries. The northbound driver, identified as Jerold Adams Jr., sustained moderate to major injuries.

The CHP Mojave Area asked anyone who witnessed the crash to contact Officer R. El Chemalian at the Mojave Area office at (661) 823-5500. The agency also reminded drivers to wear seat belts properly, follow posted speeds, maintain safe following distances, and pass only when it is legal and safe. The decedent’s name was withheld pending official identification procedures, which are handled through the Kern County Coroner’s Office.

What We Know So Far from CHP Mojave Area

Key facts provided by CHP

The information available at this time comes from the CHP Mojave Area’s initial summary. Here is what is known:

• Date and time: December 14, 2025, approximately 9:28 p.m.
• Location: SR-14 northbound, north of Backus Road, Mojave area, Kern County.
• Vehicles: White Chevrolet Malibu traveling southbound, blue Mercedes-Benz traveling northbound.
• Sequence: The Malibu made an unsafe left movement, left the southbound roadway, crossed the dirt median, and entered the northbound number one lane. A head-on collision occurred with the Mercedes-Benz.
• Injuries: The Malibu driver died from injuries. The Mercedes driver sustained moderate to major injuries.
• Witness request: CHP asks witnesses to call Officer R. El Chemalian at (661) 823-5500.
• Next of kin/identification: Official identification through the Kern County Coroner’s Office.

At this stage, CHP has not released further details about contributing factors, such as impairment or speed beyond the advisory to drive responsibly. That kind of information usually comes later, after scene measurements, vehicle inspections, and review of witness accounts. Families and injured community members commonly receive the CHP collision report once it becomes available.

Local Roadway Context Near Mojave and California City

SR-14 is a major connector between the Antelope Valley and the Mojave Desert communities. The stretch around Backus Road sits between Mojave and Rosamond, not far from the Mojave Air and Space Port and the southern edge of Red Rock Canyon State Park. Many residents commute along this corridor to jobs at Edwards Air Force Base, in California City, or down toward Lancaster and Palmdale. Nighttime desert driving can be deceptively challenging. The long, open segments of highway encourage steady, higher speeds, and the desert’s dark horizons can make judging distance and closure speed harder than it seems. Crosswinds and occasional sand on the shoulder or median can also complicate recovery if a vehicle leaves its lane.

In winter, this route sees heavy holiday traffic. More vehicles on the road means less margin for sudden lane movements or corrections. Locals know that the median near Backus Road is a dirt center area on some stretches, and when a vehicle drifts or is steered across it, there may be little to stop a direct entry into opposing lanes. That is precisely why agencies emphasize speed discipline, alert scanning, and seat belt use during the holiday season when families are on the move.

Why Head-On Crashes Can Happen on Divided Highways

Head-on collisions on divided highways are less common than on two-lane undivided roads, but when they happen, they are often severe because both vehicles carry significant speed. Some median areas do not have rigid barriers, particularly where the median is wider or unpaved. Without a barrier, a vehicle that leaves the roadway may cross into oncoming lanes if the driver cannot regain control quickly on the median surface.

Transportation safety research has long discussed cross-median crashes and the value of well-designed median barriers. The Federal Highway Administration notes that median barriers are a proven safety countermeasure that reduce the frequency and severity of cross-median crashes on divided highways by preventing vehicle encroachment into opposing travel lanes. You can read more about this countermeasure directly from the FHWA at highways.dot.gov.

Seat belts remain one of the most effective protections in any crash. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration explains that seat belt use significantly reduces the risk of fatal and serious injuries in collisions. NHTSA’s guidance on seat belt safety is available at nhtsa.gov.

Who To Call For Records and Official Information

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CHP Mojave Area, Collision Witness Hotline

CHP Mojave Area has requested witness information. If you saw the crash, response, or events just before it, contact Officer R. El Chemalian at the CHP Mojave Area office: (661) 823-5500. Even small details, like lane positions or headlight patterns before impact, can help investigators reconstruct what happened.

Kern County Coroner’s Office

The name of the decedent and next of kin notifications are handled by the Kern County Coroner’s Office. Families typically work with the Coroner for identification, autopsy status, and release of remains to a mortuary. The Coroner’s Office can explain what documentation is required and when certified death certificates will be available. Because coroner and autopsy records can involve privacy and exemptions under California law, staff usually advise on which records can be released and when.

CHP Collision Reports

Families and injured individuals often seek the official collision report. CHP uses a standardized process. The form commonly referenced for release of information is CHP 190. You can learn about collision report requests and eligibility directly from the California Highway Patrol’s site at chp.ca.gov. When requesting a report, it helps to have the date, time, location, and involved party names, if known. If you are not sure whether you qualify for a copy, the Mojave Area office can explain who may request it and when it will be available.

Death Certificates

Certified copies of death certificates are issued through county vital records, and the California Department of Public Health provides statewide guidance on who can order, what identification is required, and the types of certified copies available. The CDPH Vital Records page is here: cdph.ca.gov.

DMV Accident Reporting Requirement

California law requires that a traffic crash be reported to the DMV within 10 days if anyone was injured or killed, or if property damage exceeds the statutory threshold. The DMV’s SR-1 accident reporting information is available at dmv.ca.gov. It is important to understand what must be reported to DMV, but do not provide insurers with recorded statements before getting legal guidance, because those statements can be used against you later.

Road Conditions and Closures

For those traveling through the corridor, California’s QuickMap provides real-time highway updates, closures, and incidents. See Caltrans QuickMap at quickmap.dot.ca.gov.

Immediate, Practical Steps Families and Injured Drivers Can Take

These steps can help families and injured people organize information and avoid common pitfalls in the days following a serious collision.

• Document what you know. Write down times, locations, vehicle descriptions, and any contact with law enforcement or hospitals. Save photos, messages, and call logs. This avoids memory gaps later.
• Collect medical records. Injured drivers should retain discharge papers, imaging reports, and physician notes. Keep receipts for medications, braces, or mobility aids.
• Track employment and income impacts. Keep pay stubs and any employer letters about missed work or modified duties. If self-employed, safeguard invoices and calendars showing canceled work.
• Identify potential video evidence. Along SR-14, direct business cameras are sparse, but dash cameras, nearby gas stations along Mojave or Rosamond Highway, and highway-adjacent facilities may have relevant footage. Time is critical, since most systems overwrite quickly.
• Request the CHP collision report when available. Use the CHP Mojave Area contact for status and process. The report number, if known, expedites the request.
• Coordinate with the Coroner’s Office. Families can ask about identification status, autopsy, and how to obtain certified death certificates for estate and benefits matters.
• Be cautious with insurance communications. Before speaking with any insurer, including your own, consult a qualified attorney for a free consultation about your rights. What is said in early calls can limit claims later on.

Insurance, Evidence, and Protecting Your Rights

On divided highways like SR-14, liability can seem straightforward when one vehicle crosses into oncoming lanes. Even then, insurance companies often scrutinize speed, lighting, roadway design, and reaction time to reduce or shift fault percentages. That is where careful evidence collection matters.

Evidence that often makes a difference

• Scene measurements and diagrams: CHP’s measurements, gouge marks, debris fields, and final rest positions can inform collision reconstruction.
• Vehicle data: Airbag control modules can record pre-impact speed, brake application, and seat belt status. Prompt preservation is crucial.
• Medical chronology: The timeline from injury to treatment helps establish causation and damages.
• Witness accounts: Statements about lane positions or sudden steering inputs can clarify how and why a median crossing occurred.
• Weather and visibility: Nighttime illumination, moon phase, or glare from oncoming traffic are sometimes evaluated in reconstruction.

Why speak with an attorney before the insurer

Insurance adjusters commonly ask for recorded statements early on. These statements can be used to argue comparative fault or to minimize damages. Policy provisions may require cooperation, but there are ways to fulfill obligations without sacrificing important rights. Always consider a free consultation with a seasoned personal injury attorney before giving statements or authorizations. That conversation helps clarify what must be provided and what should wait until the facts are gathered.

Potential Civil Liability and Time Limits in California

From a civil perspective, several claims may be available after a fatal or serious-injury crash. Each case depends on the facts, including vehicle movements, roadway conditions, and any non-driver factors.

Possible claims

• Wrongful death: Brought by certain family members for losses caused by a fatal collision.
• Survival action: Brought by the decedent’s estate for damages the person could have recovered if they had lived, such as medical expenses between injury and death.
• Negligence claims for injured survivors: Bodily injury claims for medical costs, wage loss, and other harms.

Comparative fault in California

California applies comparative fault, which means a plaintiff’s recovery can be reduced by their percentage of responsibility, if any. Insurers may argue for reduced percentages by pointing to speed, distraction, or other factors. Rigorous investigation helps ensure that fault is properly attributed.

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Deadlines you need to know

• General 2-year limit for personal injury and wrongful death: Most personal injury and wrongful death claims must be filed within two years. See California Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1 at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov.
• Claims involving public entities: If a claim is asserted against a state or local public entity or employee acting in the course and scope of employment, written claims usually must be presented within six months under the Government Claims Act. See Government Code section 911.2 at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov. For state-level claims, the Department of General Services maintains information on filing claims through the Government Claims Program at dgs.ca.gov.

Deadlines can differ based on the facts, including the age of those involved and whether a public entity is implicated. Missing a deadline can extinguish claims, so it is wise to get guidance early.

Common Losses Claimed After a Fatal or Serious-Injury Crash

Every case is unique, but these categories often arise in Kern County freeway collisions:

• Medical expenses: Emergency transport, hospital care in Lancaster or Bakersfield, follow-up with specialists, therapy, and medical equipment.
• Income losses: Lost wages, reduced hours, and diminished future earning capacity.
• Caregiving and household services: The cost of help with transportation, child care, or household tasks.
• Pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment: Human losses that are real, even if they do not come with receipts.
• Wrongful death damages: Funeral and burial costs, loss of financial support, and the loss of companionship and guidance that families feel deeply.
• Property damage: Vehicle repair or total loss, and personal items damaged in the crash.

Insurers often request documentation to prove each category. Keeping thorough records and seeking timely medical follow-up can help establish both the existence and the extent of these losses.

Community Safety Notes for the SR-14 Corridor

The Mojave and California City communities rely on SR-14 daily. With holiday travel and winter dusk arriving early, it is a good moment to review the habits that make a difference on wide, high-speed routes.

• Buckle up, every seat, every time. NHTSA continues to stress that seat belts significantly cut the risk of fatal injury. See nhtsa.gov.
• Hold steady speeds and leave ample following distance. The open desert can lull drivers into closing gaps. Extra space buys time when the unexpected happens.
• Scan far ahead for lane position changes. On divided highways without continuous barriers, a vehicle leaving its lane can travel far in seconds. Early detection helps.
• Watch for wind and surface changes. Crosswinds can push vehicles, especially high-profile vehicles, toward the median. Sand or soft soil on the shoulder can lengthen stopping distances.
• Use rest breaks if you feel fatigued. The long straightaways between Mojave, Rosamond, and Red Rock Canyon can hide fatigue until reaction time slows. Plan quick stops.
• Report hazards. If you see debris, erratic driving, or an abandoned vehicle in a travel lane, report it. Early calls can prevent secondary crashes.

The FHWA recognizes median barriers as a proven countermeasure to reduce cross-median crashes. Where barriers are not present, driver behavior and alertness become the primary safeguards. More information on median barriers is available from FHWA at highways.dot.gov.

For Witnesses: How to Share What You Saw

Witness input is often the missing piece that explains why a vehicle left its lane or how fast conditions changed. If you were near SR-14 north of Backus Road around 9:28 p.m. on December 14, 2025, and saw anything related to the white Chevrolet Malibu or the blue Mercedes-Benz, CHP Mojave Area asks you to call Officer R. El Chemalian at (661) 823-5500.

When you call, it helps to note:

• Your vantage point: Which direction you were traveling, lane number, and approximate distance from the crash.
• Vehicle positions: Lane positions, any sudden steering inputs, and whether you observed braking or hazard lights.
• Environmental details: Lighting, traffic density, any visible dust, or wind gusts that you noticed.
• Timing: How long you observed the vehicles before the crash and whether you saw the initial lane departure.

If you captured dash camera footage, keep the original files and provide a copy to CHP. Do not alter or compress the video in a way that changes timestamps or clarity.

Commentary from Gosuits Mojave, California Personal Injury Attorney

Our hearts are with everyone affected by the head-on collision on SR-14. Losing a life on a familiar stretch of highway is a blow to the entire high desert community, and injuries sustained in such violent impacts can reshape a person’s day-to-day life. This commentary is for educational and general informational purposes. It is not a substitute for tailored legal guidance about any specific situation.

From the facts CHP shared, it appears the southbound vehicle made an unsafe left movement, crossed the median, and entered the northbound lanes, setting up the head-on impact. On divided highways without a continuous barrier, even a brief lane excursion can have devastating results. Investigators will look closely at steering inputs, roadway surface, speed, and whether any external conditions played a role. The CHP collision report, along with physical evidence from the scene and vehicles, will be central to understanding fault allocation in a civil context.

In our experience, insurance companies often move quickly to control the narrative and secure recorded statements. Those early statements are sometimes used later to argue comparative fault or downplay injuries. Corporations and insurers know these processes inside and out. Community members navigating shock and grief do not. That information gap can lead to unfair outcomes if people speak on the record before they understand the implications. A brief, no-cost conversation with a seasoned attorney before talking to insurers can help prevent avoidable missteps and preserve claims that matter to a family’s future.

Free consultations exist for a reason. They allow people to understand deadlines, evidence needs, and realistic pathways without pressure. Whether the question is how to get a CHP report, how to handle an adjuster’s request, or what to do about mounting medical bills after a hospital stay in Lancaster or Bakersfield, early guidance can make the process less overwhelming and more orderly.

Action Steps You Can Take Now

This section is meant to help the community understand why timely action matters and what concrete steps can create a stronger foundation for whatever comes next.

• Secure official documents promptly. Request the CHP collision report as soon as it is released, and order certified death certificates when eligible. These documents are routinely required by insurers, employers, and benefits administrators, and delays can slow every downstream process.
• Preserve evidence while it still exists. Ask that involved vehicles be preserved until data is downloaded and inspected. Locate and save any dash cam or nearby camera footage. Digital evidence is often overwritten within days, so early outreach is critical.
• Organize medical and expense records. File all bills, EOBs, and receipts from emergency care and follow-up visits. Detailed records make it easier to verify claims, manage liens, and prevent disputes about what treatment relates to the crash.
• Avoid recorded insurance statements for now. There is urgency to respond when an adjuster calls, but early recorded statements can limit recovery later. Understanding rights and obligations first helps prevent errors that cannot be undone.
• Calendar legal time limits. California generally allows two years for most personal injury and wrongful death claims, and as little as six months to present a claim when public entities are involved. Marking these dates now reduces the risk of missing a deadline during a difficult time.
• Lean on local support. Kern County and Antelope Valley communities step up in hard moments. Whether it is help with transportation to appointments, coordination with employers, or gathering records from agencies in Mojave, Tehachapi, or Lancaster, local support can lighten the load.

Acting sooner rather than later matters because evidence fades, memories become less precise, and administrative processes take longer during the holidays. A clear plan in the first few weeks can make a meaningful difference months down the line when insurers and agencies request proof.

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Additional References

These government resources provide helpful background on safety and process:

• FHWA: Median Barriers as a Proven Safety Countermeasure
• NHTSA: Seat Belts and Occupant Protection
• California Highway Patrol: Collision Report Information
• California Department of Public Health: Vital Records
• California DMV: Traffic Accident Report SR-1
• California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1
• California Government Code § 911.2
• Caltrans QuickMap: Real-Time Road Conditions