Bakersfield, CA – On the evening of Tuesday, January 20, 2026, a pedestrian collision resulted in fatal injuries to 68-year-old Salvador Lemus Meza, according to KBAK.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the collision occurred around 5:45 PM on Oswell Street, just north of Pioneer Drive. Officers and emergency medical personnel were dispatched after receiving reports that a pedestrian had been struck by a vehicle.
Investigators stated that Meza entered the roadway outside of a marked crosswalk and was struck by a southbound vehicle traveling on Oswell Street. The vehicle involved was identified as a 2009 Nissan Rogue driven by a 25-year-old man.
Authorities said Meza sustained severe injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene following standard medical assessment procedures. A dog associated with the incident area was also found deceased, and animal control officers were requested to respond.
CHP officials indicated that the driver parked nearby and returned to the scene, where he cooperated with the investigation. No arrests were reported in connection with the collision.
Officers secured the roadway and implemented traffic control measures while evidence was documented. A coroner responded as part of standard fatal-collision procedures.
The incident remains under investigation as authorities continue to review contributing factors.
Partial Liability in Pedestrian Accidents
California Law does not consider pedestrians to have the right-of-way under all circumstances, such as when 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 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.
