A woman was killed after being struck by a vehicle on Highway 178 in east Bakersfield on Saturday afternoon, March 8, 2025.
According to the California Highway Patrol, officers responded to reports of a vehicle-versus-pedestrian crash at approximately 3:00 p.m. near Union Avenue.
Preliminary investigations revealed that a 61-year-old man driving a 2007 Ford Mustang was heading eastbound on Highway 178. As he changed lanes from the number one to the number two lane, a female pedestrian crossed northbound from the south shoulder, outside of a marked crosswalk.
The driver was unable to take evasive action and struck the pedestrian, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver remained at the scene and cooperated with authorities. CHP confirmed that alcohol and drugs do not appear to be factors for the driver, but it remains unclear if they contributed to the pedestrian’s actions.
The eastbound number two and three lanes of Highway 178 were closed for about two hours for the investigation, which remains ongoing.
Don’t Know What To Do After An Accident?
Your safety and rights depend on what you do next after an accident. Remember the following steps if you find yourself in one:
- Check yourself for any injuries.
- Stay on the scene, call 9-1-1, and wait for emergency responders.
- Move your vehicle to the road shoulder if safe; turn on hazard lights.
- Fully cooperate with law enforcement and stay until cleared to leave.
- Document the scene and injuries with photos and videos.
- Seek immediate medical attention.
- Contact your insurance company and find a personal injury lawyer for legal advice.
What A Lawyer Can Do For You
Many victims put off calling a lawyer even if they sustain injuries after an accident. However, lawyers can help you in many ways. They can provide you with police reports, CCTV footage, and witness statements to strengthen your case. Your attorney will also negotiate with insurance companies to get you fair compensation. The best part is that they will do all of these things for you at no upfront cost. So if you’re injured in an accident, hire a personal injury attorney to recover medical bills, car repair costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.