Pedestrians in rural Kern County can rarely find safe crosswalks to travel on. At night their safety is even more at risk in spots where lighting is limited. Those on foot are left at the mercy of motorists who may not be fully focused on the road.
A lapse in attention by a driver can leave a victim with life-threatening injuries. When drivers decide to flee the scene of an accident, they can leave behind a victim who might be waiting longer for urgent medical attention. Victims can also be left where they could suffer additional collisions by unsuspecting drivers coming upon the scene.
Hit-And-Run Pedestrian in Kern County Accident Claims a Man’s Life
A tragic accident claimed the life of a man traveling on foot in Kern County, southeast of Bakersfield, Thursday night. KGET-TV reports the accident occurred on Highway 184, also known as the Weedpatch Highway, on April 13, 2023.
The California Highway Patrol determined that the victim was walking westbound across the northbound lane of the highway near Blackburn Avenue when he was struck by a car. The man was sent into the shoulder of the road. The Kern County Fire Department declared him dead at the scene.
The car involved fled the scene heading north on the highway. Witnesses say the vehicle never slowed down or tried to avoid hitting the victim.
Investigators are looking for a vehicle that may be a white Nissan Sentra or Altima model. Anyone with information about the driver or vehicle involved should call the California Highway Patrol.
Support for Families After a Tragic Kern County Pedestrian Accident
A fatal pedestrian accident becomes even more devastating when the driver responsible doesn’t bother to stop and take responsibility. Families left to mourn will question how justice can be served while a hit-and-run suspect remains free.
Those families can face financial stress in a little more than a week. They will see bills arrive for a funeral and burial and emergency response fees. Close relatives also face the loss of income the victim may have supported family members with through a weekly paycheck.
If a hit-and-run suspect is arrested, a civil wrongful death claim can immediately be filed against the driver’s car insurance provider. This claim would seek to protect the family financially in the present and in the years down the road.
If a suspect remains unidentified, a family may be able to file a claim against the victim’s own car insurance policy. This would call upon the portion of the policy covering uninsured and underinsured motorists. If the victim didn’t have a policy, it’s possible the victim would be covered by another family member’s policy.
Contact a Bakersfield Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
If you have had a loved one taken from you by a careless driver, don’t trust insurance companies to treat you and your family fairly. No matter what insurance policy is called upon, a Bakersfield Pedestrian Accident Lawyer is a valuable safeguard to make sure everyone receives fair support after a tragedy.
Martin Gasparian offers a free case evaluation for all victims. It’s a no-risk way to find out about every benefit available to your family. Contact Mr. Gasparian to schedule a free and confidential consultation today. If you decide Maison Law can help you secure more for your wrongful death case, you won’t need any upfront money. We don’t get paid unless we win your case for you. Then our fee comes out of the settlement you are awarded.
