Bakersfield, CA — On the evening of Saturday, October 10, 2026, a female pedestrian, identified as 66-year-old Teresa Darlene Lilly, of Bakersfield, was fatally struck by a vehicle, according to KGET.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident took place at approximately 6:50 PM on westbound Rosedale Highway, west of Karla Street, in a bustling mixed-use residential and retail area of Rosedale, across from a small shopping center.
Investigators have stated that a 26-year-old man driving a Toyota Camry was traveling westbound on Rosedale Highway when Lilly allegedly stepped into the roadway outside of a crosswalk, right in the Toyota’s path.
After being struck by the Toyota, Lilly sustained injuries that proved fatal. She was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency responders. She was later identified by the Kern County Coroner’s Office.
The driver involved remained at the site of the accident and is cooperating with authorities.
It has not yet been determined whether drug or alcohol use contributed to this fatal accident. This is an ongoing investigation.
Fatal Pedestrian Crashes in Bakersfield and Wrongful Death Claims
California law operates under the principle of comparative negligence, which holds that responsibility for an accident can be shared among multiple parties, making liability not an all-or-nothing prospect.
That means even if any of Lilly’s actions were found to have contributed to her death, her family may still have grounds to pursue a wrongful death claim. However, any settlement received would be reduced in proportion to her degree of liability.
A wrongful death claim can support grieving families by providing compensation for damages such as funeral expenses and the loss of companionship and support the victim provided.
Bakersfield Wrongful Death Lawyer
If you or someone you love has been affected by an accident like the one described here, on Rosedale Highway near Karla Street, a Bakersfield wrongful death lawyer will be happy to answer any questions and provide a no-cost, no-obligation case evaluation.
