Bakersfield, CA – On the evening of Saturday, June 21, 2025, a series of collisions on Baker Street resulted in one fatality and left another person with life-threatening injuries, according to KBAK.
The Bakersfield Police Department reports that the incidents began around 6:02 PM at the intersection of Baker Street and Sumner Street, where officers were dispatched to a vehicle-versus-pedestrian hit-and-run. While en route, officers were notified of a second crash at Baker Street and Niles Street.
At the scene of the first crash, police located a male pedestrian lying in the roadway with critical injuries. He was transported to a local hospital for emergency treatment.
Moments later, officers arrived at the second crash location, where they discovered two vehicles with extensive damage and both engulfed in flames. One male driver was found deceased at the scene, while the second male driver sustained minor injuries and was taken to the hospital.
According to a preliminary investigation, the surviving driver was traveling northbound on Baker Street when he allegedly struck the pedestrian at Sumner Street and fled the scene at a high rate of speed. He reportedly failed to stop for a red light at the Niles Street intersection, colliding with a westbound vehicle, resulting in the fatal crash.
Authorities are awaiting toxicology results to determine if drugs or alcohol contributed to the collisions. The investigation remains ongoing.
California Hit-and-Run Laws
California Law requires drivers involved in a collision to stop their vehicle, notify law enforcement, and exchange insurance information with others involved. Failure to do so, considered to be a “hit-and-run,” is a misdemeanor in cases of property damage and a felony when someone has been injured.
Failure to Yield
In California, as in other states, “failure to yield” means that you didn’t give the right of way to the right person at the right time. As such, failure to yield or stop is closely related to the “right of way.” When a motorist fails to yield, stop or otherwise avoid an accident and causes a crash, he or she can be held liable for injuries and damages suffered by a victim.
Wrongful Death Claims
Even if a fatal accident doesn’t lead to criminal charges, families who lose a loved one can still file a Wrongful Death claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance. This can provide support to help cover medical bills, funeral expenses, and the loss of income.
