[07-04-2024] Kern County, CA – 61-Year-Old Pedestrian Killed After Being Struck by Vehicle in Bakersfield

A 61-year-old pedestrian was killed after being struck by a vehicle in east Bakersfield on Thursday night, July 4, 2024.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the deadly pedestrian vs. vehicle collision happened at about 9:04 p.m. on westbound Highway 178, just east of Beale Avenue.

CHP stated that a 29-year-old male driver from Bakersfield was traveling along Highway 178 in an unspecified vehicle when the elderly pedestrian reportedly ran across the roadway and in front of him. The driver then tried to avoid crashing into the man but failed.

The pedestrian suffered fatal injuries after getting hit by the vehicle. His name and place of origin will be released by the Kern County Coroner’s Office, pending the notification of next of kin.

The 29-year-old driver, meanwhile, remained at the scene and cooperated with the police. It appears that he wasn’t injured following the incident.

Why the deceased pedestrian ran directly in the path of the vehicle is still under investigation. It is not immediately known if drugs or alcohol played a role in the crash.

Additional information was not available at this time.

Get Help From Our Respected Pedestrian Accident Lawyers In Bakersfield, CA

Pedestrians have an entitlement to safety equal to individuals who are driving cars, riding motorcycles, etc. Suppose you or your loved one was injured or sustained damages due to a pedestrian accident. In that case, you might be eligible for financial compensation. Seek help from our Bakersfield injury law firm, and we’d happily provide it.

Get legal guidance from our respected Bakersfield pedestrian accident lawyers. Our legal team, under the direction of Arash Khorsandi, Esq., can help you submit a claim and receive the highest compensation for your injuries or those of a deceased family member. Our clients have received a total of over $500 million in compensation.

Call Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 or fill out our “Do I Have a Case?” form to schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our injury attorneys.

Actions To Take After A Pedestrian Accident In Bakersfield

When you are injured in a vehicle crash, it can be difficult to think clearly. However, what you say and do at the scene might impact the result of your claim against the entity responsible for the accident. These suggestions might assist you in preventing any actions that could potentially diminish the worth of your personal injury claim:

1. Contact the authorities immediately when the accident happens and make sure an officer generates an accident report.
2. Capture images of your wounds, the location, damage to property, the weather, the condition of the road, and the vehicle that collided with you.
3. Capture images of the responsible driver’s license, insurance card, and license plate.
4. Obtain the names and contact details of all individuals who witnessed the incident or might have observed any relevant information.
5. Seek medical attention promptly and inform a healthcare provider about all affected areas of your body.
6. Keep a notebook to record your injuries and recovery process, including your emotions, the medical care you receive, and the expenses you incur.
7. Refrain from communicating with the insurance adjuster or agreeing to a settlement proposal until you consult a knowledgeable attorney. Furthermore, avoid admitting fault. This is one of the common mistakes people tend to make following any vehicular accident.
8. Avoid using social media and refrain from sharing any information about your accident or its details.
9. Contact our pedestrian accident attorneys in California promptly to discuss your situation. Our team answers the questions and concerns of many victims.

If you’re having trouble securing the accident report from the authorities or an insurer keeps calling you about the accident, our California pedestrian accident lawyers can assist you in communicating with them.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

The number of pedestrian injuries and fatalities remains high in the country. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 7,388 pedestrians were killed, and an estimated 60,000 pedestrians were injured nationwide in 2021. This is a staggering 13% increase from the alarming percentages recorded last year.

That said, this concerning rate of pedestrian accidents isn’t because the government has failed to resolve it. The California Department of Transportation is building more roundabouts, and the Office of Traffic Safety is funding pedestrian assessments in cities with high collision rates. Furthermore, education about pedestrian safety has seen a 40% increase in funding over the past three years.

When motorists fail to yield to pedestrians or brake too abruptly, tragic results can be seen in the form of pedestrian deaths and injuries. The best course of action if you intend to pursue legal action is to consult experienced legal counsel. According to the Transportation Injury Mapping System, Bakersfield tallied 167 pedestrian-related deaths or injuries in 2023.