Bakersfield, CA – On the evening of Friday, May 9, 2025, a two-vehicle collision involving a pedestrian resulted in fatal injuries, 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 responders arrived to find an adult male pedestrian with severe injuries lying in the roadway. He was transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
According to investigators, the man had been crossing East California Avenue outside of a marked crosswalk when he was first struck by an eastbound vehicle. A second eastbound vehicle also struck the man shortly after the initial impact.
Both drivers remained at the scene and cooperated with authorities. The driver involved in the initial collision was determined to be under the influence of alcohol and was taken into custody on suspicion of DUI.
The identity of the deceased will be released by the Kern County Coroner’s Office pending notification of next of kin. The investigation remains ongoing.
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.
Comparative Negligence
California Law upholds the concept of Comparative Negligence, which allows more than one party to share blame in a personal injury accident. Injured victims may have their compensation reduced if they are found partially responsible.
