Bakersfield, CA – On the afternoon of Saturday, March 8, 2025, a pedestrian was struck and killed by a vehicle while entering Highway 178, according to KBAK.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reports that the accident took place around 3:00 PM on eastbound Highway 178 at the Union Avenue on-ramp.
Authorities said the pedestrian was hit by a grey Ford Mustang as the vehicle merged onto the highway. Emergency responders arrived at the scene, but the pedestrian suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead. The identity of the victim has not yet been released, pending notification of next of kin.
The impact left the pedestrian in the roadway, and multiple lanes of Highway 178 were blocked as officials responded. The coroner was called to the scene, and CHP officers initiated an investigation into the circumstances of the crash.
It remains unclear whether the pedestrian was in the roadway before the collision or if other factors played a role. Officials have not stated whether the driver remained at the scene or if impairment was involved. The investigation is ongoing.
Partial Liability in Pedestrian Accidents
California Law does not consider pedestrians to have the right-of-way under all circumstances, such as if they attempt to cross outside of a crosswalk. However, motorists are never relieved of the expectation to provide pedestrians with a Duty of Care toward their safety.
It may therefore be determined that a motorist is subject to only partial liability in a pedestrian accident. Should that be the case, they would be financially responsible for the victim’s recovery costs in proportion to their degree of liability.
Bakersfield Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, contact a Bakersfield Pedestrian Accident Lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
