Bakersfield, CA – On the night of Tuesday, April 8, 2025, an SUV collided with a pedestrian, resulting in fatal injuries, according to KBAK.
The Bakersfield Police Department reports that the accident took place around 8:25 PM at the intersection of White Lane and El Potrero Lane.
Authorities stated that a red Jeep SUV was traveling eastbound on White Lane when it struck a man who was walking southbound across the street, outside of a marked crosswalk. Responding officers found the pedestrian dead at the scene.
Police indicated that the driver of the Jeep remained at the scene and cooperated with the investigation. Preliminary findings show that neither excessive speed nor driver impairment appear to have been factors in the collision.
The area was temporarily closed while traffic investigators conducted a full assessment of the scene. Anyone with additional information about the incident is urged to contact the Bakersfield Police Department.
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 pedestrians near the roadway 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.
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.
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.
