Bakersfield, CA – On the evening of Thursday, October 9, 2025, a pedestrian identified as Jesus Torrez Loya Jr., 31, lost his life in a fatal pedestrian collision, according to KBAK.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the collision took place around 8:55 PM, on Norris Road, east of Stockton Avenue.
Investigators said a 27-year-old Bakersfield man was driving a 2010 silver Toyota Corolla eastbound on Norris Road in the number one lane at approximately 45 miles per hour. For reasons still under investigation, Torrez Loya Jr. was crossing southbound on Norris Road from the north shoulder, allegedly outside of a marked crosswalk.
Authorities said the driver of the Toyota was unable to take evasive action and struck Torrez Loya Jr., who sustained major injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver stopped nearby and cooperated fully with investigators.
The California Highway Patrol said it remains unknown whether alcohol or drugs played a role in the incident. The investigation into the fatal crash is ongoing as officials continue to review evidence to determine the contributing factors.
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.
