Bakersfield, CA – On the evening of Thursday, December 18, 2025, a pedestrian-involved traffic incident resulted in fatal injuries near a freeway off-ramp, according to CHP Fatal.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident took place around 6:25 PM on Highway 99 near the White Lane off-ramp.
CHP Fatal logs indicate that multiple callers reported a man jumping into or attempting to cross traffic lanes in the area, with witnesses later stating the individual had been seen moments earlier attempting to cross multiple lanes of traffic. Authorities initially reported uncertainty over whether the man had been struck, but traffic lanes were shut down as officers conducted an investigation and stopped vehicles in the area.
Emergency responders implemented traffic breaks and partial lane closures while Caltrans assisted with traffic control. The coroner was requested and arrived later in the evening, after which the incident was classified as a fatality. Further details regarding the circumstances leading up to the incident, including the involvement of specific vehicles, were not released. The case remains under investigation.
Pedestrian Fatalities and Wrongful Death Claims
Drivers have a Duty of Care towards pedestrians, which includes being vigilant for those travelling by foot and, if a 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 evade authorities, 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.
Partial Liability in Pedestrian Accidents
California Law does not consider pedestrians to have the right-of-way under all circumstances, such as when 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 subject to only partial liability in a pedestrian accident. Should that be the case, they would be financially responsible for the victim’s recovery costs in proportion to their degree of liability.
