Bakersfield, CA – According to KBAK, the Kern County Coroner’s Office has confirmed the identity of the victim of a fatal hit-and-run incident on Ming Avenue as 45-year-old Estella Andino of Bakersfield.
This tragedy unfolded on a Saturday morning in south Bakersfield. The Bakersfield Police Department (BPD) received a distressing call on April 13, 2024, at approximately 2:07 AM, reporting a pedestrian had been struck at the intersection of Ming Avenue and South P Street, near the Kern County Fairgrounds.
Upon arrival, authorities discovered a woman gravely injured in the street, later identified as Estella Andino. Despite the best efforts of Hall ambulance personnel, she was tragically pronounced deceased at the scene.
The preliminary investigation indicates that Andino was walking along Ming Avenue when she was struck by a vehicle traveling eastward. The driver fled the scene before law enforcement could arrive.
BPD investigators are diligently pursuing leads to apprehend the driver responsible for this heartbreaking incident. At present, factors such as alcohol, drugs, or excessive speed do not appear to have contributed to the collision.
As the community grieves the loss of Estella Andino, authorities urge anyone with information regarding this hit-and-run to come forward and assist in bringing justice for the victim and her loved ones.
Pedestrian Fatalities and Wrongful Death Claims
While no amount of money can heal the pain of losing a loved one to a vehicular fatality, their sudden and unexpected passing often brings equally unexpected costs in the form of medical bills, burial fees, and the loss of income to support any dependents of the deceased.
However, a Wrongful Death Claim, made with the help of a knowledgeable personal injury attorney, can provide compensation to address that financial burden. Should the at-fault driver escape justice, compensation may be available from a family member’s uninsured driver coverage. Consulting with a personal injury attorney can help determine what the best options are.
Those involved in a pedestrian crash should know that motorists are required to exercise an additional “duty of care” towards pedestrians due to their heightened vulnerability in car accidents, which more often result in pedestrian fatalities.
