Bakersfield, CA – According to KBAK, on the night of Wednesday, February 21, 2024, a 32-year-old man lost his life in a fatal hit-and-run in East Bakersfield on the 2500 block of Columbus Street.
Investigations indicate the victim had been walking in an unmarked crosswalk when he was struck by a dark sedan traveling eastbound on Columbus. Authorities do not yet know if intoxication or excessive speed played a factor in the deadly crash.
Pedestrian Fatalities and Wrongful Death Claims
Motorists are required to exercise an additional “duty of care” towards pedestrians due to their heightened vulnerability in car accidents, which more often result in pedestrian fatalities.
In cases where a driver is found responsible for a pedestrian fatality, the victim’s family may have grounds to initiate a wrongful death claim through the driver’s insurance provider. Compensation from a wrongful death claim can help cover medical costs, burial expenses, and the financial support lost by dependents of the deceased.
Should the driver escape justice, compensation may be available from a family member’s uninsured driver coverage. Consulting with a personal injury attorney can help determine what the best options are.
Martin Gasparian is the founder of Maison Law, a California Personal Injury Law Firm. Martin is a graduate of Georgetown University Law School and has been practicing law in California 2004. His practice focuses on helping injury victims know their rights and recover just compensation.
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