Bakersfield, CA – On the evening of Tuesday, April 8, 2025, a vehicle-versus-pedestrian collision resulted in fatal injuries to 31-year-old Justin Dewayne Stalker of Rosamond, according to KBAK.
The Bakersfield Police Department reports that the accident took place around 8:25 PM near the intersection of White Lane and El Potrero Lane.
According to police, a red Jeep SUV was traveling eastbound on White Lane when it struck Stalker, who was walking southbound across the street. Authorities said Stalker was outside of a marked crosswalk at the time of the collision. Emergency personnel responded to the scene, where Stalker was pronounced dead from injuries sustained in the crash.
The driver of the Jeep remained at the scene and fully cooperated with the police investigation. Officers at the scene conducted a preliminary assessment and determined that neither alcohol nor drug impairment appeared to be contributing factors in the crash. Excessive speed was also ruled out as a likely cause, according to information provided by authorities.
The identity of the deceased was confirmed by the Kern County Coroner’s Office following their investigation. The incident remains under review by the Bakersfield Police Department’s traffic division to determine if any additional factors played a role in the collision.
Officials have not released further details about the circumstances surrounding the crash or whether any citations or charges are expected.
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.
