Bakersfield, CA — On Monday, August 5, 2024, a male pedestrian lost his life in a collision with a pickup truck on East Brundage Lane, according to KBAK.
The fatal accident occurred at approximately 5:12 AM, at the intersection of East Brundage Lane and Quantico Avenue. There, emergency responders found a man with severe injuries, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the white pickup truck involved in the crash remained with the pedestrian and fully cooperated with the investigation. Investigations suggest that the driver was traveling westbound on East Brundage Lane when they struck the pedestrian. Neither unsafe speed nor driver impairment appear to have been factors in the accident.
As the investigation continues, the Bakersfield Police Department is urging any witnesses or individuals with further 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.
For those who have lost someone in a vehicular fatality, a Wrongful Death claim, made with the help of an experienced personal injury attorney, can provide compensation to alleviate the financial strain of laying their loved one to rest.
Partial Liability in Pedestrian Accidents
California Law does not consider pedestrians to have the right-of-way under all circumstances, such as if they attempt to cross outside of a crosswalk. However, motorists are never relieved of the expectation to provide pedestrians with a Duty of Care toward their safety.
It may therefore be determined that a motorist is held only partially liable in a pedestrian accident. If that is the case, they would be financially responsible for the victim’s recovery costs in proportion to their degree of liability.
