Bakersfield, CA – A Chipman Junior High student identified as 13-year-old Jeremiah Villalobos died after being struck by a vehicle while riding his bicycle on Wednesday afternoon, November 13, 2024, according to KGET.
The accident occurred around 2:54 PM at the intersection of Columbus Street and Loyola Street.
Jeremiah was riding his bicycle south on Loyola Street when he was hit by a vehicle traveling west on Columbus Street. Emergency responders found him critically injured and transported him to Kern Medical, where he later died despite life-saving efforts.
Police stated that the driver involved remained at the scene and cooperated with the investigation. Preliminary findings suggest that alcohol, drugs, and speed were not contributing factors in the collision.
Jeremiah’s mother has announced a vigil at the crash site to honor his life. Grief counselors have been made available at Chipman Junior High to support classmates and staff.
Bicycle Fatalities and Wrongful Death Claims
Drivers have a Duty of Care towards bicyclists, who are particularly vulnerable in traffic accidents. This responsibility includes being vigilant for bicyclists with whom they share the road 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 bicycle 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.
Should the at-fault driver avoid 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.
