Pedestrian Killed in Bakersfield Off-Ramp Crash

SR-178 Union Avenue Off-Ramp Crash Kills Pedestrian in Bakersfield

Incident Overview

A tragic collision on Sunday night, January 4, 2026, claimed the life of a pedestrian along westbound State Route 178 near the Union Avenue off-ramp in Bakersfield. Authorities reported the crash at approximately 9:08 p.m. in the westbound lanes close to the Union Avenue exit. Emergency responders arrived promptly after receiving reports of a vehicle-versus-pedestrian collision.

Following the impact, officials closed the westbound Union Avenue off-ramp to allow first responders and investigators to secure the area and conduct an on-scene investigation. Traffic control measures were put in place and remained active while crews documented the scene and removed the involved vehicle. The coroner was notified and responded to the location. An evidence tow was requested, and the vehicle was cleared after investigators completed their initial work. As of this writing, no additional information regarding the identity of the pedestrian or the circumstances leading up to the collision has been released. The investigation remains ongoing.

Ongoing Investigation and What It Typically Involves

In fatal pedestrian collisions, agencies typically conduct a thorough analysis to determine what happened and who may be legally responsible. Investigators often review:

- Roadway and lighting conditions, including visibility at the time of the crash
- Vehicle speed, braking, and steering data (including potential retrieval of Event Data Recorder information)
- Driver impairment, fatigue, and distraction
- Pedestrian location, movement, and right-of-way
- Traffic control devices, signage, and the presence of any construction zones
- Potential contributions from a dangerous road design or inadequate maintenance near the off-ramp

Evening crashes near freeway exits present unique risks. Drivers may be accelerating or decelerating, merging, or scanning for signage, which can divide their attention. Off-ramps often have limited lighting or sharp curvature that reduces visibility. These factors make accurate reconstruction and careful evidence preservation especially important.

Duty of Care to Pedestrians Under California Law

California law requires drivers to exercise reasonable care to avoid striking pedestrians, including reducing speed in low-visibility areas, yielding when required, and staying vigilant around crosswalks, off-ramps, and intersections. If a collision occurs, drivers must stop, render aid when possible, alert emergency services, and cooperate with authorities. Failing to do so can result in both civil and criminal consequences.

At the same time, pedestrians are expected to exercise caution, obey traffic signals, and avoid entering lanes of traffic when it is unsafe. However, even if questions arise about a pedestrian’s actions, California’s comparative negligence rules may still allow a family to recover damages in proportion to a driver’s share of fault.

Potential Legal Options for Families After a Fatal Pedestrian Collision

Families who have lost a loved one in a traffic incident may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim to seek accountability and financial support. Potential avenues of recovery can include:

- Wrongful death and survival actions: These claims can address funeral and burial costs, loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and other legally recognized damages.
- Insurance claims: Coverage may be available through the at-fault driver’s liability insurance. If the driver fled or was uninsured, uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage under a household policy may provide benefits.
- Claims involving public entities: If dangerous road conditions, inadequate lighting, or poor signage contributed to the collision, a claim against a public entity may be viable. These claims have strict timelines, often requiring a Government Claim to be filed within six months of the incident.
- Third-party liability: In some cases, liability can extend to employers (if the driver was on the job), contractors responsible for road work, or other parties whose actions contributed to the danger.

Time Limits and Preserving Your Rights

California has statutes of limitations that set deadlines to file claims. Wrongful death claims are generally subject to a two-year limitation period from the date of death, but claims against public entities carry much shorter notice deadlines. Because these timelines can vary and exceptions may apply, it is important to consult counsel as soon as possible to protect your rights and ensure that crucial evidence is preserved.

Pedestrian fatalities near freeway ramps often depend on time-sensitive evidence—lighting conditions, roadway measurements, vehicle data, and surveillance footage—that can be lost if not preserved promptly. Early action can be critical to ensuring a complete and accurate understanding of what happened.

Avian Law Group is experienced in coordinating independent investigations and working with reconstruction and roadway-safety experts. If your family is seeking answers or considering legal action after this SR-178 collision, contact us today for a free consultation so we can begin protecting your rights immediately.