[05-10-2023] Kern County, CA – Pedestrian Severely Injured After Being Struck by Police Patrol Vehicle in Bakersfield

One pedestrian was severely injured after being struck by a police vehicle in Bakersfield on Wednesday afternoon, May 10, 2023.

Emergency responders said the incident occurred around 12:20 p.m. at Union Avenue near East 9th Street.

According to the report, the pedestrian was hit by a Bakersfield police patrol vehicle traveling southbound while crossing the road from the center median.

Following the incident, the pedestrian was taken to a hospital with moderate to major injuries.

The collision is under investigation.

Pedestrian Accident in Bakersfield, Kern County

Pedestrians in California have the same rights as those involved in personal injury or wrongful death cases, which means they have the right to take legal action and sue the party or parties responsible for their damages.

Our experienced legal team can help you seek financial compensation from your insurance company if you or someone you know has been injured or killed due to someone else’s carelessness.

You can rely on our most trusted Bakersfield pedestrian accident lawyers at Arash Law, under the direction of Arash Khorsandi, Esq., to effectively represent you in these court proceedings. Our firm has recovered more than $750 million for California clients.

If you want to speak with one of our lawyers, please call (888) 488-1391 or fill out the “Do I Have a Case?” form.

What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident

Pedestrian collisions can cause significant trauma and alter one’s life, typically leading to severe injuries or even death. Unfortunately, these incidents occur too frequently, especially in bustling cities and urban regions where cars and pedestrians coexist. Being aware of your legal rights and options is crucial if you or someone you know has been in a pedestrian accident. There are several measures you should follow.

• Seek medical attention immediately: Your health and safety should be your top priority, so seek medical help even if you feel fine. Some injuries may not be apparent right away, and it is important to have a medical professional evaluate you.
• Contact law enforcement: Call 911 and report the accident to the police. Please provide them with as much information as possible, including the accident’s location and any witnesses’ contact information.
• Document the accident: Take photos or videos of the accident scene, including any damage to your property or injuries sustained. This can be valuable evidence for your case.
• Contact a pedestrian accident lawyer: An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options and work to secure the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages.
• Notify your insurance company: Let your insurance company know about the accident as soon as possible, even if you were not at fault.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

Data from the Governors Highway Safety Association showed that while there was a 14% decline in fatalities from traffic accidents from 2007 to 2016, there was a 27% increase in pedestrian deaths during the same period. This indicates that the number of pedestrians injured or killed by cars may continue to rise.

California had an alarmingly high number of pedestrian deaths and injuries from automobile accidents in 2012, with 809 fatalities and 14,000 injuries. This trend is a cause for concern and warrants attention.

The statistics from 2016 demonstrated that more than 6,000 individuals lost their lives in traffic accidents in the United States, at a rate of 88 deaths per minute.

Ambulances transported approximately 137,000 injured individuals to hospitals the following year. These numbers highlight the seriousness of the issue and the pressing need for measures to prevent future accidents and fatalities.