Taft, CA — In the early hours of Monday, July 15, 2024, 53-year-old Clinton James Baer of Taft lost his life after being hit by a vehicle while riding his bicycle on Highway 33, according to KBAK.
Officials reported that, at approximately 12:57 AM, Baer was riding his bicycle along Highway 33, just south of Cadet Road, when a vehicle struck him. Baer succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene by California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers who responded to the incident.
As of now, no additional information has been released by the Kern County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO).
Duty of Care Toward Bicyclists
Drivers owe a “Duty of Care” to bicyclists regardless of where they encounter them. This legal obligation arises from the fact that bicyclists have less protection while navigating alongside heavier and faster vehicles like cars, trucks, and SUVs. Motorists are required by law to be vigilant on the roads, in all mirrors and blind spots, for any nearby riders. Drivers must be prepared to brake to avoid any potential collisions.
In cases where the at-fault driver escapes justice, families who lose a loved one in a fatal bicycle accident may be able to seek compensation to help cover funeral costs by filing a claim with their uninsured driver coverage. A knowledgeable personal injury attorney can help determine what options they might have available.
