Bakersfield, CA – On the evening of Friday, March 21, 2026, a pedestrian collision on northbound State Route 99 near the Ming Avenue off-ramp resulted in a fatality, according to CHP Fatal.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident took place around 9:27 PM.
Authorities said a pedestrian was found lying in the number one and two lanes of northbound State Route 99, with several vehicles reported to have struck the individual. A black Chevrolet Tahoe was found in the center divide in connection with the collision, and a 2025 Kawasaki KLX230 dual-sport motorcycle was also identified as an involved vehicle. A red Chevrolet Tahoe was subsequently located at the Ming Avenue northbound on-ramp in connection with the incident.
A traffic break was initiated, and a hard closure of lanes one and two was requested, with traffic diverted to Ming Avenue. Caltrans was notified, and additional units were deployed to the Ming Avenue on-ramp to northbound State Route 99 to manage traffic flow. Multiple vehicles were reported traveling the wrong way on the White Lane northbound on-ramp during the closure, requiring additional traffic management.
The coroner responded to the scene from the Ming Avenue on-ramp. Evidence tows were requested for the motorcycle and a full-size SUV. Fire department units were requested to wash down the roadway following the conclusion of emergency operations. All lanes were reopened at approximately 11:52 PM.
No additional details regarding the identity of the deceased had been released at the time of reporting. The investigation remains ongoing.
Wrongful Death Claims & Comparative Negligence
Determining fault in a collision can involve multiple factors, and under California’s comparative negligence rule, several parties can share partial responsibility.
Should someone else be found even partly responsible for the death, the family may be able to file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance. This can provide compensation to help cover medical bills, funeral expenses, and the loss of income to support the family of the deceased.
