[09-18-2023] Kern County, CA – 45-Year-Old Killed Following Pedestrian Vs. Vehicle Crash in Bakersfield

A 45-year-old man was killed following a pedestrian vs. vehicle collision in southeast Bakersfield on Monday morning, September 18, 2023.

The California Highway Patrol responded to the incident around 6:00 a.m. on southbound Union Avenue, north of Garden Drive.

Upon the arrival of emergency personnel, the victim was pronounced dead at the scene. Initial investigation revealed that the 45-year-old Hispanic man attempted to cross Union Avenue’s traffic lanes from east to west and was then hit by the car.

The driver that struck the passenger remained at the scene and cooperated with the investigation. Officials said there was a possibility that the pedestrian was also struck by a second vehicle.

No further details of the incident were released, and the investigation into the collision is ongoing.

Award-Winning Pedestrian Accident Lawyers in Bakersfield, CA

It is beneficial and ideal to seek legal counsel from a personal injury attorney if you or someone you know has been involved in a car accident due to another person’s negligence.

Our experienced pedestrian accident lawyers provide free initial consultations where we assess the specific circumstances of your case, explain the legal procedures involved, and consider essential factors that could impact the potential compensation you may be eligible to receive.

You can rely on our award-winning Bakersfield pedestrian accident lawyers at Arash Law, under Arash Khorsandi, Esq., to effectively help you with your insurance claim or represent you in court proceedings. Our firm has recovered more than $500 Million for California Clients and is widely acknowledged for its success and reputation as one of California’s leading personal injury law firms.

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.

8 Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident

It can be challenging to think clearly after a car accident. However, It is vital to realize that the words you use and the actions you take at the scene can significantly impact the outcome of your lawsuit. To maximize the value of your injury claim, follow these recommendations:

1. Prioritize Getting Help: Get immediate medical attention and contact the authorities if you are involved in the accident.
2. Do Not Admit or Accept Fault: Refrain from admitting or stating anything about the accident that can harm your case, as this may affect your ability to receive compensation.
3. Avoid Making Statements: Avoid making unnecessary statements about the incident without consulting an attorney. These statements could be used against you in legal proceedings.
4. Gather Potential Evidence: Gather all the necessary information you need on the scene, take pictures, take the identification of the others involved, plate numbers, and reports recorded by authorities.
5. Do Not Settle: Avoid settling negotiations directly with the perpetrator, which could result in lower compensation. It’s essential to clearly understand the extent of the damages before considering any settlement offers through a legal team.
6. Never Sign Without Consultation: Only sign documents with an attorney present or after consulting one to protect you and your rights to be exercised fully.
7. Work with a California Pedestrian Accident Attorney: Work with an experienced California pedestrian accident lawyer to help you navigate the legal process and receive fair compensation.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to a study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, turning crashes are more likely to occur in larger vehicles; pedestrians who are struck by large vehicles suffer more severe injuries. Pickups had the highest risk of being involved in a left-turn crash that killed a pedestrian, 269.6 percent higher than passenger cars.

Minivans and large vans were associated with a 172.0 percent increase in odds, while pickups and SUVs were associated with a 93.6 percent increase. There has been a significant increase in the odds of a pickup or SUV causing a pedestrian fatality in a right-turn crash at 88.6 percent and 63.4 percent, respectively.

Hit-and-run accidents caused twenty-four percent (24.3 percent) of pedestrian fatalities in 2020. Deaths from pedestrians increased by 46.2% between 2011 and 2020, while deaths from other traffic increased by 14.4%. Deaths from pedestrians increased by 3.9 percent from 2019 to 2020 despite a 13.2 percent decrease in driving.