Bakersfield, CA – The Kern County Coroner’s Office has identified 34-year-old Bakersfield man Anthony Gregory Martinez as the pedestrian fatally injured in a collision involving two vehicles on the evening of Friday, May 9, 2025, according to KBAK.
The Bakersfield Police Department reports that the accident took place around 8:53 PM near the 700 block of East California Avenue.
Emergency crews responded to find Martinez suffering from major injuries in the roadway. He was transported to Kern Medical, where he was later pronounced dead.
A preliminary investigation determined that Martinez had been crossing East California Avenue outside of a designated crosswalk when he was struck by an eastbound vehicle. Moments later, a second vehicle traveling in the same direction also hit him.
Authorities stated that both drivers stopped at the scene and cooperated with the investigation. The driver involved in the first collision was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. It is currently unknown whether that individual remains in custody.
The incident remains under investigation by the Bakersfield Police Department.
California DUI Law
Section 23153(a) of the California Vehicle Code (CVC) states that it is illegal for any driver to “Operate a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs and, as a result, cause bodily injury to someone else.”
Pedestrian Fatalities and Wrongful Death Claims
Drivers have a Duty of Care towards pedestrians, who are particularly vulnerable in traffic accidents. This responsibility includes being vigilant for bicyclists with whom they share the road and, if a fatal collision occurs, staying with the victim, alerting emergency responders, and cooperating with authorities investigating the crash.
For those who lose a loved one in a bicycle accident, filing a Wrongful Death claim with the assistance of an experienced attorney can provide compensation for medical bills, funeral costs, and other related damages.
Should the at-fault driver avoid legal consequences, compensation might still be available through a family member’s uninsured driver coverage. Consulting with a personal injury attorney can help determine the best options in such cases.
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.
