Taft, CA — On the morning of Wednesday, September 2, 2026, an electric bicycle rider, who has been identified as 66-year-old Randy Britton Hynson, lost his life after being struck by a utility bucket truck, according to KBAK.
According to the Taft Police Department, the fatal accident took place at about 10:47 AM at the intersection of Kern Street (Highway 33) and 10th Street, in a mixed-use residential and retail area of central Taft, south of Taft College.
Initial investigations determined that Hynson was riding an electric bicycle eastbound on the south sidewalk of Kern Street when a utility bucket truck that had also been traveling on Kern Street stopped at a red light at the intersection with 10th Street.
When the bucket truck attempted a right turn onto 10th, it struck the electric bicycle, ejecting Hynson and leaving him with injuries that proved fatal.
The influence of drugs and alcohol does not appear to have played a role in this fatal accident. The identity of the bucket truck driver has not been released.
Kern County Bicycle Accidents and Wrongful Death Claims
California Law requires motorists to exercise a greater duty of care toward bicyclists they share the road with, due to their greater vulnerability to serious and fatal injuries. They are expected to be on the lookout for nearby bicyclists, make every reasonable effort to avoid a collision, and remain with the victim and cooperate with authorities in the case of an accident.
Because the bucket truck driver failed to yield, Hynson’s family may have grounds to pursue a wrongful death claim against both the driver and the company they drove for. While no amount of money can bring back a lost loved one, a wrongful death claim can provide compensation for funeral expenses and the support and companionship provided by the deceased.
Kern County Wrongful Death Lawyer
If you or someone you love has been affected by an accident similar to this one at the intersection of Kern Street (Highway 33) and 10th Street, consider reaching out to a California wrongful death lawyer with any questions and to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case evaluation.
