[09-16-2025] Kern County, CA – 72-Year-Old Man Killed After Being Struck by Vehicle on Taft Highway in Bakersfield

A 72-year-old Bakersfield man, Victoriano P., was killed after being struck by a vehicle on Taft Highway on Tuesday evening, September 16, 2025.

According to the Kern County Coroner’s Office, the crash occurred around 7:33 p.m. in the 3100 block of Taft Highway.

Victoriano was found by Bakersfield police and transported to Kern Medical, where he died the following day at approximately 1:24 a.m.

No additional details were provided by the coroner’s office. Authorities continue to investigate the collision.

Contact Our Pedestrian Accident Lawyers In Bakersfield, CA

Pedestrian accidents can result in serious injuries or fatalities, creating legal and financial considerations for families and survivors. Understanding potential legal options may help you take the necessary steps following a collision.

Our pedestrian accident lawyers in Bakersfield can help you explore legal avenues after a pedestrian accident. This may include reviewing official reports, assisting with insurance communications, and explaining the process of pursuing compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and other damages. Early legal guidance may help ensure important matters are addressed properly.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, call us at (888) 488-1391 or fill out our “Do I Have a Case?” form for a free initial consultation.

What To Do After A Pedestrian Accident In Bakersfield, CA

When a pedestrian is killed in a collision, surviving family members and others affected may take certain steps to help protect legal rights and preserve important evidence related to the incident.

1. Contact Authorities And Obtain Official Records
   Ensure that police reports and any available medical or investigative documentation are obtained. These records can be important for understanding the circumstances of the collision.
2. Document The Scene If Possible
   If family members or witnesses are present, safely gathering photographs or notes about the location, vehicles, and conditions may help preserve information.
3. Gather Witness Information
   Collect names and contact details of anyone who witnessed the collision. Their statements may help clarify the circumstances surrounding the accident.
4. Consult Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
   An attorney can explain possible legal options for the family, assist with insurance communications, and help preserve time-sensitive evidence. Early guidance may help ensure legal rights are protected and the case is handled appropriately.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

In 2023, about 7,314 pedestrians died in traffic crashes across the United States, representing roughly 18 percent of all traffic-related fatalities. Since 2009, when pedestrian deaths reached a modern low, the total number of fatalities has risen by approximately 78 percent.

Hit-and-run incidents continue to be a significant concern. In 2023, one in four pedestrian deaths involved a hit-and-run. For comparison, these incidents accounted for around 20 percent of pedestrian fatalities between 2014 and 2019, increasing to 24 percent in 2020 and 25 percent in recent years.

Looking at long-term trends, pedestrian death rates have declined for most age groups. Between 1975 and 2023, children under 13 saw the largest improvement, with a 93 percent drop in their death rate. Teenagers aged 13 to 19 experienced a 71 percent decrease, and adults aged 70 and older had a 73 percent reduction. Adults aged 20 to 44 were the only group with an increase in death rates, rising by 6 percent.

Since 2009, death rates for adults over 20 have continued to climb, while rates for children and teens have steadily decreased, highlighting ongoing challenges in pedestrian safety for younger and middle-aged adults.