Those on foot traveling in and around Bakersfield don’t always receive the full attention of drivers. Drivers can be distracted or simply lost in thought and miss spotting a pedestrian until it’s too late.
This lack of focus actually breaks the law. Drivers legally owe all pedestrians a special duty of care. They must monitor for pedestrians, especially at night when visibility is reduced, and slow down to prevent hitting a defenseless victim. When they don’t observe this basic level of caution, drivers can be held liable in an accident, even when the pedestrian is outside of a crosswalk.
Pedestrian Collision Claims Woman’s Life in Bakersfield
A woman was killed in a south Bakersfield pedestrian accident on Thursday night.
ABC23-TV reports the collision occurred around 11 p.m. along the 2300 block of East Panama Lane, near MLK Jr. Boulevard on August 11, 2022.
The Bakersfield Police Department said a pedestrian was walking eastbound when she was struck by a vehicle. The woman was tragically declared dead at the scene.
Investigators say the driver involved remained at the site of the accident. They don’t believe alcohol or drugs played a role in the accident.
Officers ask that anyone that has information about what happened to call the Bakersfield Police Department.
Support for Families After a Pedestrian Accident in Bakersfield
Too many Kern County families are left to grieve the death of a loved one after tragic pedestrian accidents each year. Nothing can replace the love and care a family member provided, but at-fault drivers must be held accountable for their carelessness. Their car insurance providers should provide support to victimized families to ensure they don’t face a financial crisis after an accident.
California protects the close relatives of pedestrian victims by allowing them to file something called a wrongful death claim. This civil claim asks for assistance with the costs of a memorial and burial, emergency response fees, and any other medical fees built up before the deceased passed away. A claim also seeks assistance to secure the family in the future when they’ll be without the wages the deceased may have provided the household through weekly paychecks.
Contact a Bakersfield Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
After your loved one has become the victim of a careless driver, reach out to a Bakersfield Pedestrian Accident Lawyer to find out how to earn fair support. Insurance companies are often reluctant to provide full compensation for everything a family faces after a pedestrian tragedy.
Martin Gasparian, the founder of Maison Law, works to protect families after a devastating accident. He strives to see that relatives receive everything needed to help ease their hardships through such a difficult time. Mr. Gasparian also wants to make sure the victim’s family members aren’t left facing financial hardships years down the road.