Tehachapi, CA — The victim of a fatal collision involving a pedestrian and a big rig on the evening of January 22, 2025, has been identified as 72-year-old Candace Lorraine Rios of Tehachapi, according to KGET.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident took place around 9:24 PM near northbound Highway 202, just north of Cummings Valley Road.
Rios was transported to Kern Medical, where she succumbed to her injuries the following day at approximately 7:52 PM.
Rios’ death marks another tragic chapter for her family, who have endured significant loss due to fatal traffic accidents. Her husband, Arnold Rios, suffered serious, long-term injuries in December 2023 when a driver plowed into a crowd during the Bakersfield Christmas Parade, as confirmed by the family’s attorney.
Authorities stated that the driver of the big rig remained at the scene and cooperated fully with the investigation. The CHP has not released further details about the circumstances leading to the collision but continues to investigate the incident.
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.
