Bakersfield, CA – In the early hours of Sunday, July 19, 2026, a pedestrian collision resulted in the death of Shane Daniel Voris, 43, of Bakersfield, according to KBAK, with additional reporting from CHP Fatal.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident took place around 1:48 AM on southbound Highway 99 south of White Lane.
Authorities said Voris appeared to have entered southbound Highway 99 from the shoulder, walking directly into the path of an unknown vehicle. Voris allegedly lunged toward a passing vehicle before witnesses observed another vehicle traveling behind that one collide with him.
He was struck by that vehicle, sustaining severe injuries, and was then struck by multiple additional vehicles, sustaining further injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The Kern County Coroner’s Office formally identified him following his death.
Multiple drivers remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators. A second vehicle involved, described as a white truck, was later located at a nearby truck stop with debris from the collision found on the vehicle. CHP said there are potentially other vehicles involved that fled the scene.
A traffic break was initiated, and lanes two through four were closed, with traffic diverted off the freeway at White Lane. The White Lane on-ramp to southbound State Route 99 was closed in both directions during the response. A tow was requested for one of the vehicles involved, which was later transported to an evidence yard.
Anyone with information regarding the crash is asked to contact CHP Bakersfield. The investigation remains ongoing.
Ongoing Investigations
Victims of traffic accidents and their families should be aware that authorities may fail to note or even misinterpret critical evidence at a crash site. One of the services that a Personal Injury Attorney can provide is to pursue follow-up investigations, which can reveal additional evidence to correct any errors made by previous investigators.
Bakersfield Pedestrian Accidents and Wrongful Death Claims
California law follows the principle of comparative negligence. This means that even where a pedestrian’s own actions, such as entering a freeway from the shoulder, contributed to a crash, his surviving family members may still pursue compensation if the negligence of any of the drivers involved, including one who may have fled the scene, also contributed to his death. Investigators with California law enforcement examine visibility, speed, and the actions of each driver involved to determine what role each may have played.
Regardless of the findings, Voris’s family may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim. A wrongful death claim can provide the family with compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, loss of consortium, and other damages related to the fatal accident.
Bakersfield Wrongful Death Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, on State Route 99 near White Lane, contact a California wrongful death lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
