[04-08-2023] Kern County, CA – Elderly Man Killed in Oildale Pedestrian Accident

A 73-year-old man was found dead after a pedestrian accident in Oildale, north of Bakersfield, on Saturday, April 8, 2023.

The California Highway Patrol reported that around 1:31 a.m., officers were informed of a collision on Highway 65 close to Merle Haggard Drive.

When they arrived, the authorities found that the senior citizen was hit by a 2020 Peterbilt truck and fell into the southbound lane’s west shoulder. At the scene, the elderly male was pronounced dead.

The truck driver, 58-year-old Darryl H., remained on the scene and cooperated with law enforcement.

After investigating, the CHP found that the man was walking southbound on Highway 65, south of Imperial Avenue. The man was struck by the truck, which was also moving south, as he walked directly in the path of the Peterbilt.

Drugs and alcohol do not appear to be factors in the crash.

The investigation is still ongoing.

Trusted Bakersfield Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

Even if a pedestrian is not in a marked crosswalk, drivers should exercise caution when approaching. Pedestrians should always have the right-of-way at all intersections, as far as the law allows. It will be investigated whether the driver who struck the pedestrian broke any traffic laws.

The responsible parties can be held accountable for their actions by filing a wrongful death lawsuit. Compensatory damages include but are not limited to, damages for lost wages, mental anguish, and even funeral expenses.

We fight for our clients’ rights to the fullest extent of the law. Our Bakersfield accident lawyers at Arash Law, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., will fight for the victims’ rights to compensation. Careless drivers should be held accountable to reduce the number of traffic collisions.

We are known as the best pedestrian accident lawyers in California. Regardless of where you live in California, we offer free consultations. Call us at (888) 488-1391 to speak with one of our experienced lawyers, or complete our online “Do I Have a Case?” form.

What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in California

After being hit by a vehicle, let alone if you have been injured, it can be hard to think clearly. However, what you say and do at the crash scene can significantly impact the outcome of your subsequent claim against the negligent party. These tips may help you avoid doing something which could reduce the value of your personal injury claim:

• Call the police after the accident and ensure an officer creates an accident report.
• Take pictures of your injuries, property damage, the accident scene, weather conditions, road conditions, and the vehicle that hit you.
• Take a photo of the at-fault driver’s license, insurance card, and license plate.
• Obtain all eyewitnesses’ names and contact information or anyone who has seen anything.
• See a doctor or other healthcare professional immediately and tell them about every affected part of your body.
• Keep a journal about your injuries and the recovery process, detailing how you feel, the treatment you receive, and what costs you pay.
• Do not speak to an insurance adjuster or accept a settlement offer until you have talked to an experienced lawyer.
• Stay off social media, especially posting about accidents or accident circumstances.
• Contact an experienced California pedestrian accident attorney as soon as possible to discuss your case.

Fatal Pedestrian Accident Statistics

Pedestrians hit by cars are more likely to die or suffer severe injuries. In the case of a collision, pedestrians are unprotected.

Pedestrian accidents causing injuries and deaths have become more common on American roads. Over the past few decades, pedestrian accidents have been the leading cause of traffic-related deaths.

The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) reports that pedestrian fatalities rose by 27% between 2007 and 2016, while other types of traffic deaths decreased by 14%.

5,977 people died on foot in the United States in 2017. According to the most recent data, an estimated 88 people are killed every minute. In 2017, 137,000 people were treated in hospitals for non-fatal pedestrian injuries.

A recent study reported that Californian pedestrians are at a higher risk of injury or death than pedestrians in other states. Pedestrian accidents in California resulted in 55,000 injuries and 6,516 deaths in 2020.

Pedestrian deaths and injuries are usually caused by speeding or failing to yield to pedestrians. It would be best to always have a knowledgeable lawyer when dealing with the legal system.