Bakersfield, CA - Man Dies Following Pedestrian Crash on Union Ave

Bakersfield, CA (August 5, 2025) – California Highway Patrol officers are investigating a pedestrian crash on South Union Avenue that occurred Saturday night, and troopers reported on August 4 that the victim involved has now died at an area hospital.

Officials said a woman driving a Honda Civic northbound on South Union Avenue, just north of Taft Highway, struck a pedestrian who was crossing the road westbound. The collision happened at about 9:29 p.m. The man was transported to Kern Medical, where he later died.

We offer our sincere condolences to the deceased man's loved ones.

Pedestrian Fatalities in California

California consistently ranks among the most dangerous states for pedestrians. Every year, thousands of people are struck by vehicles while walking along roadways, through parking lots, or across busy intersections. Tragically, many of these victims do not die at the scene—but instead pass away days or even weeks later from complications related to their injuries. These delayed fatalities often leave grieving families in shock, with unanswered questions and growing financial burdens.

What makes California so dangerous for pedestrians? The underlying causes are often systemic and preventable:

• Distracted Drivers in High-Foot-Traffic Areas: Commercial zones, school corridors, and downtown districts attract heavy pedestrian movement. Drivers scanning for parking or navigating traffic frequently overlook people stepping into crosswalks—especially in poorly marked intersections.

• Insufficient Stopping Distances: Even vehicles traveling at moderate speeds require substantial distance to stop. A driver going 35 mph needs over 100 feet to come to a complete stop. When a pedestrian appears suddenly, many drivers simply can’t brake in time.

• Poorly Designed Roadways: Multi-lane arterial roads often lack accessible crosswalks, pushing pedestrians to take dangerous routes across traffic. These roads also tend to encourage speeding, creating lethal conditions for anyone on foot.

• Ignored Right-of-Way Laws: California law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks, but this rule is often violated. Faded street markings and a lack of enforcement only make matters worse.

• Outdated Urban Planning: Many city streets prioritize vehicular traffic over pedestrian safety. Short signal times, missing curb ramps, and broken crosswalk indicators create everyday hazards that are too often ignored—until tragedy strikes.

When a pedestrian succumbs to their injuries after days in the hospital, the legal implications can be complicated. Families are often left not only grieving but also burdened by medical bills, funeral expenses, lost income, and the loss of care and companionship.

In such cases, a wrongful death claim may be appropriate, allowing surviving family members to pursue financial compensation from the at-fault driver or other responsible parties, such as negligent property owners or municipalities that failed to maintain safe road conditions.

At Countrywide Trial Lawyers, we know how emotionally and legally complex these cases can be. Our dedicated legal team will work tirelessly to investigate the accident, establish liability, and pursue every avenue for justice. Whether the fatality occurred at the scene or days later in a hospital bed, your family deserves answers—and accountability.

We offer free consultations, and there are no upfront costs. Call 844-844-9119 today to speak with a compassionate attorney who understands what you're going through and is ready to fight for your family’s future. At Countrywide Trial Lawyers, our wrongful death lawyers don’t back down from tough cases—and we never settle for less than you deserve.