Bakersfield, CA – According to KBAK, early Monday morning, June 17, 2024, an adult male pedestrian was struck and killed by a Bakersfield Police Department (BPD) vehicle on South Union Avenue.
The collision occurred as two officers were responding to a call for service in the Downtown area. According to BPD, the officers’ vehicle was traveling without lights and sirens, indicating they were not operating under Code Three conditions.
The victim sustained multiple injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. One of the officers involved sustained minor injuries as well. Both officers have been placed on administrative leave as part of the standard procedure while a critical incident investigation is underway.
The department is conducting a thorough investigation into the incident and is asking anyone with information to come forward.
Pedestrian Fatalities and Wrongful Death Claims
Motorists bear an added responsibility, known as the “Duty of Care,” towards pedestrians due to their heightened vulnerability in car accidents, often leading to pedestrian fatalities. Motorists are expected to stay with injured pedestrians to aid in securing help from emergency services and to cooperate with authorities upon their arrival.
For those who have lost a loved one in a vehicular fatality, understanding that a Wrongful Death claim, guided by an experienced personal injury attorney, can provide compensation is crucial. This compensation can alleviate the financial strain of medical bills, burial expenses, and the loss of income for dependents of the deceased.
If the at-fault driver evades legal consequences, compensation might still be accessible through a family member’s uninsured driver coverage. Seeking advice from a personal injury attorney can help ascertain the most suitable options in such circumstances.
