Bakersfield, CA – On the evening of Thursday, October 9, 2025, a man suffered fatal injuries after being struck by a vehicle on Norris Road, east of Stockton Avenue, according to KGET.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the collision occurred just before 9:00 PM. Investigators said a male driver in a Toyota was allegedly traveling about 45 miles per hour in the first lane of Norris Road when evidence suggests that a pedestrian began crossing the street from the north shoulder, moving southbound outside a marked crosswalk.
The impact caused major injuries to the pedestrian, who was pronounced dead at the scene despite emergency efforts. The driver stayed after the crash and cooperated with responding officers.
Authorities said it is not yet known if drugs or alcohol were factors. Investigators are still reviewing evidence, including roadway lighting, visibility, and potential driver reaction times, to determine the exact circumstances leading to the crash.
The California Highway Patrol continues to collect statements and examine physical evidence as part of its ongoing investigation into the fatal collision.
Pedestrian Fatalities and Wrongful Death Claims
Drivers have a Duty of Care towards pedestrians, which includes being vigilant for those travelling by foot and, if a 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.
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.
Ongoing Investigations
Victims of traffic accidents and their families should be aware that authorities may fail to note or even misinterpret critical evidence at a crash site. One of the services that a Personal Injury Attorney can provide is to pursue follow-up investigations, which can reveal additional evidence to correct any errors made by previous investigators.
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.
