UPDATE: Jared Jon Harper, 47, of Bakersfield, Named in Fatal Pedestrian Crash on Hwy 99 near Taft Hwy
Bakersfield, CA – In the early hours of Monday, December 29, 2025, Jared Jon Harper, 47, of Bakersfield, was killed after being struck by two vehicles while walking on southbound Highway 99 near Taft Highway, according to KBAK.
The California Highway Patrol reports the collision occurred at approximately 2:32 AM in the number three lane of southbound Highway 99. A preliminary investigation determined that Harper was walking southbound in the roadway when he was first struck by an unknown vehicle traveling in the same direction.
CHP stated that the driver of the first vehicle fled the scene before officers arrived. Harper was left unresponsive in the traffic lane following the initial impact.
Just after 2:30 AM, a second vehicle, a Honda traveling southbound in the same lane, struck Harper as he lay in the roadway. According to CHP, the Honda driver was unable to avoid the collision due to roadway conditions and the position of the pedestrian.
Emergency responders were dispatched to the scene as part of standard traffic collision procedures. Harper sustained severe injuries as a result of the collisions and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The Honda driver stopped and remained at the location, where he was contacted by emergency personnel and cooperated with investigators. CHP reported that the driver was not suspected of wrongdoing.
The hit-and-run portion of the incident remains under investigation. CHP continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision, including efforts to identify the driver of the first vehicle involved.
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.
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.
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.
Should the at-fault driver evade authorities, 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.
