Arvin, CA – 21-year-old Stefhanie Vargas of Arvin has been identified as the pedestrian who lost her life after being struck by a vehicle in the early hours of Monday, January 26, 2026, according to KBAK.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident took place around 4:52 AM near North Rancho Drive south of Grasshopper Lane.
Authorities said emergency responders located Vargas lying in the roadway of North Rancho Drive, where she had been struck by a vehicle. Investigators determined that a 23-year-old man was driving a 2010 Honda Civic southbound on North Rancho Drive when he encountered Vargas in the roadway and was unable to take evasive action before the impact. The collision caused severe injuries.
Emergency responders pronounced Vargas dead at the scene at approximately 5:09 AM, according to the Kern County Coroner. The driver remained at the scene following the crash and cooperated with the investigation. Officials said it remains unclear why Vargas was lying in the roadway at the time of the collision.
As the investigation continued, North Rancho Drive was closed for approximately two and a half hours between David Road and Rancho Road to allow authorities to document the scene and complete the traffic investigation.
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.
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.
California Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, contact a California Pedestrian Accident Lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
