Bakersfield, CA – The Kern County Coroner’s Office has identified the victim of a fatal pedestrian collision on the morning of Monday, January 12, 2026, as Wendy Rose Wilson, 25, of Bakersfield, according to KBAK.
The California Highway Patrol reports the collision occurred around 6:13 AM in the 5300 block of South Union Avenue near Garden Drive.
Investigators said a 68-year-old man was driving a 2012 Toyota Yaris southbound when Wilson entered the roadway outside of a marked crosswalk and into the vehicle’s path.
The Toyota struck Wilson, causing severe injuries. Emergency responders arrived shortly afterward and pronounced her dead at the scene.
Authorities stated the driver remained at the location and cooperated fully with investigators. CHP reported that driver impairment was not a factor, and it remains unknown whether impairment played a role for the pedestrian.
The involved vehicle was documented and towed as evidence. Portions of South Union Avenue were partially restricted while investigators conducted standard scene measurements, photography, and evidence collection.
The collision remains under investigation, and no additional details were immediately released by authorities.
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.
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.
