Body Found on I-5 near Bear Mountain Blvd in Bakersfield Believed by CHP to be Fatal Pedestrian Hit-and-Run Victim

Bakersfield, CA — According to KBAK, on Tuesday morning, July 2, 2024, a body was discovered on the right-hand shoulder of Interstate 5 near Bear Mountain Boulevard, which authorities believe to be the victim of a fatal pedestrian hit-and-run.

California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers were alerted to the presence of a body on the right shoulder of Interstate 5, just south of Highway 223, around 11:50 AM.

Preliminary investigations by the CHP revealed that the deceased, identified as a male of unknown age, was on the northbound side of Interstate 5 at an unspecified time. For reasons yet to be determined, the individual was struck by an unidentified vehicle. The impact caused the pedestrian to come to rest on the right shoulder, where he succumbed to his injuries.

The circumstances surrounding this incident are still under investigation. At this stage, it remains unclear whether alcohol or drugs played a role in the crash.

The California Highway Patrol is actively seeking information to piece together the events leading up to this tragic accident.

Pedestrian Fatalities and Wrongful Death Claims

Motorists bear an added responsibility, known as the “Duty of Care,” towards pedestrians due to their heightened vulnerability in car accidents, often leading to pedestrian fatalities. Motorists are expected to stay with injured pedestrians to aid in securing help from emergency services and to cooperate with authorities upon their arrival.

For those who have lost a loved one in a vehicular fatality, understanding that a Wrongful Death claim, guided by an experienced personal injury attorney, can provide compensation is crucial. This compensation can alleviate the financial strain of medical bills, burial expenses, and the loss of income for dependents of the deceased.

If the at-fault driver evades legal consequences, compensation might still be accessible through a family member’s uninsured driver coverage. Seeking advice from a personal injury attorney can help ascertain the most suitable options in such circumstances.