[11-24-2022] Kern County, CA – 18-Year-Old Driver Fatally Struck Toddler in Bakersfield

A 20-month-old child was killed after being hit by a Mustang driven by a family member in Bakersfield on Thursday morning, November 24, 2022.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the fatal collision occurred just after 10:00 a.m. in the 500 block of Adam Street.

Reports stated that the child was behind a 2004 Ford Mustang while the family was nearby getting ready for the holiday.

The 18-year-old family member failed to notice the victim as he entered the vehicle.

The victim was struck as the vehicle slowly backed up, sliding under the Mustang’s left rear and suffering a head injury.

After the mother yelled at the driver to stop, the grandfather pulled the child from under the car.

Despite performing CPR, the victim succumbed to her injuries after she was rushed to the hospital.

Neither drugs or alcohol contributed to the deadly collision.

Further investigations are still in progress.

Fatal Pedestrian Accident Crash Statistics

The percentage of pedestrian deaths attributed to speed rose from 7.2% to 8.6% in 2020. Speed has a significant effect on pedestrian safety. With increasing vehicle speed, the fatality rate sharply increases until it reaches a maximum of 90% at 58 mph. It rises sharply as vehicle speed increases.

According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, 2021 accounted for a record-breaking high of 7,485 pedestrian fatalities over 40 years.

In 2016, there were 5,937 pedestrian fatalities in the US. It was predicted that 88 people would pass away every minute by the end of the year. In 2017, at least 137,000 pedestrian injuries necessitated medical attention.

The majority of pedestrian fatalities and accidents occur in California. In 2012, the state saw over 14,000 pedestrian injuries and 893 deaths.

If crossing parking lots and driveways, pedestrians should always walk on the sidewalk, refrain from using drugs or alcohol, and move slowly. If they follow these suggestions, they will have a lower chance of suffering an accident-related injury.

Trusted Pedestrian Accident Lawyers in Bakersfield

Even when a crosswalk is not strictly necessary, the pedestrian’s safety should always come first. When a pedestrian and another vehicle collide, the pedestrian always has the right of way. If the negligent party is thought to have broken the law, they will be questioned.

Compensation paid by the liable party or their insurer may lessen your financial burden. You can win your case and be guided through this challenging process by a lawyer with experience navigating the complex legal system.

It can be challenging to understand what should be done following the filing of an insurance claim. Count on our firm to handle your lawsuit successfully.

Our pedestrian accident attorneys in Bakersfield are committed to providing the best legal representation to our clients. We strive to get you up as soon as possible after suffering a severe injury.

To find out more about your legal options, contact us at (888) 488-1391 or complete our online “Do I Have A Case?” form.