Bakersfield, CA – On the morning of Thursday, July 4, 2025, a hit-and-run collision resulted in the death of pedestrian Richard Daniel Forte, 56, according to KGET.
The Bakersfield Police Department reports that the accident took place around 9:39 AM near the 8300 block of South Union Avenue.
Officers responded to a report of a person lying on the shoulder of the northbound lanes. Upon arrival, they located Forte and determined that he had sustained fatal injuries consistent with being struck by a vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency personnel.
No vehicle description has been released by authorities. The investigation remains ongoing, and police are asking anyone with relevant information about the incident to contact the Bakersfield Police Department.
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.
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 pedestrian 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.
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.
