[01-27-2023] Kern County, CA – Man Pushing Shopping Car Killed by Car in Hit & Run Crash in Taft

A 53-year-old man was killed after being struck by a hit-and-run car while pushing a shopping cart in Taft on Friday evening, January 27, 2023.

According to the Taft Police Department, the fatal hit-and-run crash occurred at around 8:35 p.m. along Highway 119 at East Kern Street.

The victim, whose identity was not yet released, was pushing a shopping cart when he was hit. It remains unclear whether he was in the crosswalk during the crash. He was declared dead on the spot.

The vehicle, reported as having significant front-end damage and being dark, possibly black, fled the scene following the crash and is still at large.

Anyone who may have seen the event is urged to call the Taft Police to aid the investigation.

Fatal Hit-and-Run Accident Statistics

When an automobile accident occurs in the United States, it is a serious offense for the at-fault driver to flee the scene without providing aid to the injured or phoning for assistance. The driver may face severe penalties, including imprisonment if they are apprehended by the authorities.

At least one driver in the United States causes an accident and then flees the scene every day. Since 2006, around 2,000 people have lost their lives as a direct result of these tragedies. Predictions indicated that pedestrians would make up over 60% of the total fatalities.

Between 2009 and 2016, the number of fatalities in California caused by hit-and-run drivers dropped by more than half. There are an average of 3,562 fatalities in California each year, making it one of the deadliest states in the United States.

What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident

If you or a loved one got involved in a car collision, call 911 immediately. When questioned, simply share the facts as you understand them. After an accident, some victims, still in a state of disbelief, may apologize sincerely even when they’re not at fault. The insurance company will have more justification to reject your claim if you do this.

Get in touch with the authorities where the accident happened to get a police report. You can also complete our online form if you would want us to get in touch with them on your behalf. Such information is crucial to process your claim. There is no fee for an initial consultation with us regarding a potential claim.

Hit-and-Run Accident Victim Lawyers in Kern County

In the event of a car accident in California, the injured party has the choice of filing a criminal complaint against the at-fault motorist and a civil claim for damages with their auto insurer.

Please get in touch with one of our highly recognized attorneys if you or a loved one were seriously hurt or killed in an accident that was someone else’s fault. You may be able to recover damages through a personal injury or wrongful death case.

Our trusted Kern County hit-and-run accident victim lawyers at Arash Law, led by Arash Khorsandi Esq., have extensive experience and accolades advocating for accident victims. Our clients have been awarded compensation totaling $500 million.

Call (888) 488-1391 now or click the “Do I Have a Case?” on our website to set up a free consultation with one of our attorneys.