Bakersfield, CA – According to KBAK, the Kern County Coroner’s Office has identified the man struck and killed by a Bakersfield police patrol vehicle on June 17, 2024, as 27-year-old Brandon Elliott Gabriel Flores.
The Bakersfield Police Department reported that the incident occurred around 3:30 AM when two officers, Julian Garcia and Zachary Ward, were responding to a call for service.
While traveling northbound on South Union Avenue, their vehicle struck Flores, who was walking to his father’s apartment at the time. Flores was pronounced dead at the scene, despite immediate medical aid.
Both Officer Garcia and Officer Ward, who have each been with the department for about two years, are currently on administrative leave as the investigation continues.
A GoFundMe page created by Flores’ family emphasizes the impact on his 4-year-old daughter and his father.
Wrongful Death Claims
Whether or not a collision results in legal consequences for any of those involved, families who have lost a loved one in a fatal collision may be able to file a Wrongful Death claim with the insurance provider of the at-fault driver.
The compensation provided by a Wrongful Death claim can relieve the financial burdens created by medical expenses, burial costs, and the loss of income needed to support the deceased’s dependents.
Insurance companies will work to reduce any claim they cannot deny. This is where the help of a knowledgeable personal injury attorney proves invaluable, negotiating on behalf of victims and their families to ensure they receive proper compensation.
