Bakersfield, CA — On Monday morning, July 1, 2024, a collision with another vehicle resulted in the death of a woman riding an electric scooter on Ridgecrest Boulevard, according to KBAK.
The accident occurred at approximately 12:47 AM when California Highway Patrol (CHP) Mojave Area officers were dispatched to a report of a crash involving a pedestrian on Ridgecrest Boulevard, west of Mahan Street.
Responding to the scene were officers from the Ridgecrest Police Department, CHP Mojave Area, personnel from the Kern County Fire Department, and Liberty Ambulance. Upon arrival, they discovered that a female rider on an electric scooter had been struck by a car.
The preliminary investigation revealed that the woman was traveling eastbound on Ridgecrest Boulevard when she was hit from behind by a 2012 Mazda 6 driven by a 30-year-old man from Inyokern. The Mazda was also heading eastbound on Ridgecrest Boulevard.
The driver of the Mazda stopped on the south shoulder of Ridgecrest Boulevard, remained at the scene, and called for emergency assistance. Despite immediate efforts, the woman succumbed to her injuries.
CHP has stated that alcohol is not suspected to be a factor in this crash. The incident remains under investigation as authorities work to determine the exact circumstances leading to the fatal collision.
Duty of Care Toward Pedestrians
Drivers are entrusted with a specific “Duty of Care” towards pedestrians, who are more vulnerable and prone to fatal injuries in traffic accidents. Nevertheless, establishing liability can be intricate, influenced by various factors. This process of sorting through complexities to determine fault is one of the crucial services that a personal injury attorney can offer.
Even after fault is determined, insurance companies often strive to minimize claims they cannot reject outright. This is where a personal injury attorney can be invaluable, advocating on behalf of victims to secure the full compensation they rightfully deserve.