Community Mourns Hit-and-Run Victim Mariana Flores

Fatal Pedestrian Hit-and-Run in Bakersfield: Community Mourns Loss of Mariana Cervantes Flores, 65

Authorities have identified the woman killed in a pedestrian hit-and-run in Bakersfield in the early morning hours of Sunday, August 3, 2025, as 65-year-old Bakersfield resident Mariana Cervantes Flores. The collision occurred at approximately 1:43 a.m. near the intersection of Mount Vernon Avenue and Oregon Street. Preliminary reports indicate Ms. Flores was walking southbound along Mount Vernon Avenue when she was struck by a white pickup truck traveling in the same direction. Investigators noted she may have been outside a marked crosswalk at the time of impact.

Emergency crews arrived within minutes; however, Ms. Flores suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the pickup fled before officers arrived and has not yet been identified. Authorities continue to seek information about the vehicle and its driver and have asked community members who saw the collision or who may have relevant video or information to come forward.

This tragic event underscores the ongoing safety challenges pedestrians face, particularly during nighttime hours, and highlights the legal avenues available to families after a fatal hit-and-run.


Location, Timing, and Early Details

- Time and place: Around 1:43 a.m. at Mount Vernon Avenue and Oregon Street in Bakersfield.  
- Involved parties: A pedestrian, identified as Mariana Cervantes Flores, and an unknown driver in a white pickup truck traveling southbound on Mount Vernon Avenue.  
- Early observations: Investigators believe Ms. Flores may have been outside a marked crosswalk; the driver left the scene and remains at large.  
- Status of investigation: The Kern County Coroner’s Office confirmed the victim’s identity and requested assistance in locating next of kin. Law enforcement agencies are seeking information from the public to help identify the suspect vehicle and driver.


Nighttime Pedestrian Risks and Contributing Factors

Fatal pedestrian collisions often occur in low-light conditions. At approximately 1:43 a.m., visibility is significantly reduced, and drivers face added challenges such as glare from headlights, fatigue, or distraction. Even on well-lit streets, a person wearing dark clothing can be difficult to see until it’s too late. For pedestrians, crossing outside of marked crosswalks can increase risk, though it is critical to remember that California law imposes a duty of care on drivers at all times to operate safely and to avoid collisions when reasonably possible.

Common factors in nighttime pedestrian incidents include:
- Speeding or failure to reduce speed for conditions.  
- Impaired or fatigued driving.  
- Distracted driving, including phone use.  
- Inadequate scanning by drivers for pedestrians along the roadway margins.  
- Poor roadway lighting or limited visibility due to environmental conditions.

While investigators will determine the specific causes in this case, community awareness of these risk factors can help prevent future tragedies.


Hit-and-Run Liability in California

Leaving the scene of a collision that results in injury or death is a serious crime in California. Under California law, drivers involved in crashes must stop, render reasonable aid where possible, and exchange information. Fleeing the scene not only obstructs justice but also worsens the harm to families and communities by delaying accountability.

In civil terms, hit-and-run drivers and vehicle owners can be held responsible for the losses they cause. Even when a driver is not immediately identified, families may still have paths to compensation through available insurance coverages.


Wrongful Death Claims After a Fatal Collision

When a loved one is killed by another person’s negligence, qualifying heirs may file a wrongful death claim under California law. Potential wrongful death damages can include:
- Funeral and burial expenses.  
- The financial support the decedent would have provided.  
- Loss of household services.  
- Loss of love, companionship, comfort, care, and guidance.

In some cases, a separate survival action may be available on behalf of the decedent’s estate for certain losses suffered by the decedent prior to death. Determining who can bring these claims and what damages are recoverable requires careful legal analysis, particularly in complex hit-and-run investigations.

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Our hearts go out to the family and loved ones of Mariana Flores, whose life was tragically cut short in this senseless hit-and-run crash. Incidents like this serve as a painful reminder of the dangers posed by reckless and irresponsible drivers. No family should endure the loss of a loved one due to someone else’s negligence.

At Avian Law Group, we are dedicated to supporting victims’ families in the aftermath of fatal accidents, helping them seek justice and hold accountable those responsible. If your loved one has been injured or killed in a hit-and-run or similar incident, contact our experienced legal team today for a free and compassionate consultation.