Pedestrian Killed in Bakersfield Hit-and-Run

Pedestrian Killed in Suspected Hit-and-Run Near Hwy 99 and Taft Highway On-Ramp in Bakersfield

Overview of the Incident
In the early morning hours of Monday, December 29, 2025, a tragic pedestrian collision on southbound Highway 99 near the State Route 119 (Taft Highway) on-ramp in Bakersfield resulted in the death of an unidentified man. According to preliminary information from investigating authorities, the incident occurred at approximately 2:30 a.m.

Investigators report that the pedestrian was walking in the third lane of southbound Highway 99 when he was struck by an unidentified vehicle that immediately fled the scene. The initial impact left the man in the roadway. A short time later, a second southbound vehicle, described as a Honda, also struck the pedestrian. The driver of the Honda remained at the scene and cooperated with law enforcement. The pedestrian sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The identity of the victim will be released by the Kern County Coroner’s Office after notification of next of kin.

Traffic breaks and lane closures were implemented near the Hosking Avenue area and the SR-119 connector while California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers investigated and Caltrans crews provided traffic control to protect responders and preserve the scene. Authorities are continuing to investigate the sequence of events, vehicle movements, lighting and roadway conditions, and any potential contributing factors. It is not yet known whether alcohol or drugs were involved in either collision.

Hit-and-Run Investigation Underway
CHP has initiated a hit-and-run investigation to identify the driver of the first vehicle involved. In many cases, investigators will:

- Review traffic and freeway surveillance cameras in the corridor
- Canvass nearby businesses for private security footage
- Analyze debris, paint transfer, and vehicle parts left at the scene
- Seek eyewitness statements and dashcam recordings from passing motorists
- Examine 911 records and license plate reader data, where available

Members of the public who were traveling in the area around 2:30 a.m. and who may have dashcam footage are often crucial to these cases. Even minor details—such as a description of vehicle damage, color, headlights, or lane position—can help investigators narrow their search.

Understanding Pedestrian Collision Dynamics
Nighttime freeway environments present unique risks for pedestrians due to high speeds, limited reaction time for drivers, lower visibility, and reduced stopping distances. Collisions involving multiple impacts, as reported here, are unfortunately not uncommon on multi-lane freeways where an initial collision leaves a pedestrian or disabled vehicle in a live lane. Investigators typically consider:

- Lighting and weather conditions at the time of the crash
- Lane position and sightlines (curves, overpasses, and on-ramp merges)
- Speed of approaching traffic and braking evidence
- Time between first and subsequent impacts
- Vehicle damage patterns and roadway debris fields

Legal Rights for Families After a Fatal Pedestrian Crash
When a loved one is lost in a pedestrian collision, California law allows certain family members to pursue a wrongful death claim. This civil action can help address the financial and emotional burdens that follow a fatal crash. Potential damages may include:

- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of the decedent’s financial support and benefits
- Loss of companionship, care, and guidance
- Value of household services the decedent would have provided
- In some cases, a related survival action for medical expenses and conscious pain and suffering prior to death

If the at-fault driver fled the scene, families may still have options for compensation through uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. In California, UM coverage can sometimes apply through a policy held by the victim or a household family member, even when the at-fault driver is never identified. It is important to review all potentially applicable insurance policies and endorsements, including UM/UIM, med-pay, and any umbrella or excess policies.

Accountability and Comparative Fault
California applies comparative negligence, which means responsibility can be shared among multiple parties depending on the facts. In multi-vehicle, multi-impact events, the allocation of fault may involve:

- A hit-and-run driver who initiates the first impact
- Subsequent drivers who may or may not have had a reasonable opportunity to avoid a secondary collision
- Potential roadway conditions or maintenance issues, if applicable

An experienced attorney can help gather evidence, retain reconstruction experts, and work with investigators to understand how and why a collision occurred.

Key Deadlines and Practical Steps
- Statute of limitations: Wrongful death actions in California are generally subject to a two-year filing deadline from the date of death. Certain claims involving public entities (such as roadway design or maintenance claims) may require a government claim within six months.
- Preserve evidence early: Promptly collecting and safeguarding evidence can make a significant difference. This can include requesting CHP reports, scene photographs, autopsy and toxicology reports, 911 audio, body-worn camera footage (if any), and nearby surveillance video before it is overwritten.
- Notify insurers: Timely notice to insurance carriers is crucial for UM/UIM claims. Policies often have strict notification requirements.
- Witness outreach: Public calls for witnesses and dashcam footage can be coordinated quickly to capture perishable information.

What To Do If You Witness or Are Involved in a Hit-and-Run
- Stay at the scene if you are safe to do so and call 911 immediately.
- Do not attempt to chase a fleeing driver; provide the best description possible (make, model, color, license plate, damage, or distinguishing features).
- Activate hazard lights, use flares or triangles if available, and avoid standing in live lanes.
- Provide a statement to law enforcement and share any dashcam or cellphone video.
- Seek medical evaluation, even if you feel uninjured initially—symptoms can develop later.

Broader Safety Considerations for Pedestrians and Drivers
While pedestrian access to high-speed freeways is generally restricted, pedestrians may be present due to disabled vehicles, prior collisions, or other emergencies. Key safety practices include:

For drivers:
- Reduce speed and move over immediately when you see hazards, disabled vehicles, or emergency lights.
- Scan ahead for unusual objects or movement in the roadway, especially at night.
- Maintain safe following distances to allow time for unexpected hazards.
- Keep dashcams calibrated and functioning to aid in post-incident investigations.

For pedestrians in emergencies:
- If your vehicle is disabled, pull to the right shoulder if possible, activate hazards, and exit away from traffic when safe.
- Stand behind guardrails or well off the roadway; avoid re-entering lanes to retrieve items.
- Call for assistance and wait for authorities or a tow in a safe location.

The loss of a loved one in a traffic collision is overwhelming—especially when the driver responsible may have fled the scene. While investigators work to identify the hit-and-run vehicle and determine what happened, families are often left unsure of what steps to take next.

At Avian Law Group, we guide families through wrongful death matters with compassion, clarity, and respect. If you need help understanding your options after this tragic Bakersfield freeway collision, our team is here to support you every step of the way.