Bakersfield, CA — The Kern County Coroner’s Office has identified the young woman who died after being struck by two vehicles early on October 27, 2024, as 17-year-old Jules Lilia Cortes of Hughson, according to KBAK.
Around 5:30 AM officers of the Bakersfield Police Department were dispatched to the scene in the 18000 block of Panama Lane after reports of a pedestrian collision. When they arrived, they found Cortes suffering from critical injuries. Despite their efforts, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Initial investigations suggest that Cortes was in the roadway outside of a crosswalk when a pick-up truck traveling westbound struck her. The driver of the pick-up truck immediately stopped and remained at the scene, cooperating with officers and calling 911 to report the accident.
While he was on the phone with emergency services, a second vehicle, described only as a sedan, struck Cortes again. This driver fled the scene before officers arrived.
Bakersfield Police are continuing their investigation, seeking additional details on the sedan and urging any witnesses to come forward. They encourage anyone with information to contact their office, hoping to bring closure to Cortes’s grieving family.
Pedestrian Fatalities and Wrongful Death Claims
Drivers have a specific “Duty of Care” towards pedestrians, who are particularly vulnerable in traffic accidents. This responsibility includes being vigilant for pedestrians near the roadway and, if a fatal collision occurs, staying with the victim, alerting emergency responders, and cooperating with authorities investigating the crash.
For those who lose a loved one in a pedestrian accident, filing a Wrongful Death claim with the assistance of an experienced attorney can provide compensation for medical bills, funeral costs, and other related damages.
If the at-fault driver avoids legal consequences, compensation might still be available through a family member’s uninsured driver coverage. Consulting with a personal injury attorney can help determine the best options in such cases.
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, feel free to contact Maison Law for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
California Hit-and-Run Laws
California Law requires drivers involved in a collision to stop their vehicle, notify law enforcement, and exchange insurance information with others involved. Failure to do so, considered to be a “hit-and-run,” is a misdemeanor in cases of property damage and a felony when someone has been injured.
