Bakersfield, CA — A 50-year-old woman who was struck and killed by a vehicle on Highway 99 early Sunday morning, November 17, 2024, has been identified as Irma Pacheco Matias of Madera, according to KGET.
The collision occurred at approximately 1:07 AM on northbound Highway 99, south of Houghton Road. Authorities with the California Highway Patrol (CHP) stated that Matias and a 46-year-old man were walking westbound across the northbound lanes when a gray Ford compact car traveling in the Number 2 lane struck them.
The driver of the vehicle fled the scene before officers arrived. Matias was pronounced dead at the scene due to her injuries, while the man was transported to Kern Medical with severe injuries.
The CHP is actively investigating the hit-and-run and has described the vehicle involved as a gray Ford compact car. It is currently unknown whether drugs or alcohol were factors in the collision.
Officials urge anyone with information about the driver or the vehicle to contact the CHP Bakersfield office immediately.
Pedestrian Fatalities and Wrongful Death Claims
Drivers have a 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.
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.
