Bakersfield, CA – A woman lost her life after being struck by a vehicle while walking on Niles Street late Monday night, April 22, 2024, as reported by KBAK. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported that the woman succumbed to her injuries at Kern Medical the following day.
According to CHP, the crash occurred around 11 PM on April 22 near Niles Street, east of Vale Street. The initial investigation indicated that the woman was walking northbound across the east lanes of Niles Street, just east of Vale Street. The woman sustained major injuries and was rushed to Kern Medical, where she tragically passed away early Tuesday morning at approximately 2:30 AM.
The identity of the woman will be disclosed at a later time by the Kern County Coroner’s Office, respecting the family’s privacy during this difficult time. CHP has confirmed that alcohol and drugs do not seem to have played a role in the tragic crash.
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.
