A 61-year-old pedestrian was killed after being struck by a vehicle in east Bakersfield on Thursday night, July 4, 2024.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the deadly pedestrian vs. vehicle collision happened at about 9:04 p.m. on westbound Highway 178, just east of Beale Avenue.
CHP stated that a 29-year-old male driver from Bakersfield was traveling along Highway 178 in an unspecified vehicle when the elderly pedestrian reportedly ran across the roadway and in front of him. The driver then tried to avoid crashing into the man but failed.
The pedestrian suffered fatal injuries after getting hit by the vehicle. His name and place of origin will be released by the Kern County Coroner’s Office, pending the notification of next of kin.
The 29-year-old driver, meanwhile, remained at the scene and cooperated with the police. It appears that he wasn’t injured following the incident.
Why the deceased pedestrian ran directly in the path of the vehicle is still under investigation. It is not immediately known if drugs or alcohol played a role in the crash.
Additional information was not available at this time.
Don’t Know What To Do After An Accident?
Your safety and rights depend on what you do next after an accident. Remember the following steps if you find yourself in one:
- Check yourself for any injuries.
- Stay on the scene, call 9-1-1, and wait for emergency responders.
- Move your vehicle to the road shoulder if safe; turn on hazard lights.
- Fully cooperate with law enforcement and stay until cleared to leave.
- Document the scene and injuries with photos and videos.
- Seek immediate medical attention.
- Contact your insurance company and find a personal injury lawyer for legal advice.
What A Lawyer Can Do For You
Many victims put off calling a lawyer even if they sustain injuries after an accident. However, lawyers can help you in many ways. They can provide you with police reports, CCTV footage, and witness statements to strengthen your case. Your attorney will also negotiate with insurance companies to get you fair compensation. The best part is that they will do all of these things for you at no upfront cost. So if you’re injured in an accident, hire a personal injury attorney to recover medical bills, car repair costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
