Bakersfield, CA (April 21, 2024) – A tragic accident late Sunday night resulted in the death of a pedestrian who was struck by a vehicle on Niles Street in Bakersfield, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP). The victim was identified as 30-year-old Antoinette Andrea Rodriguez.
Incident Overview: The incident occurred around 11:00 p.m. near the intersection of Niles Street and Vale Street. Rodriguez was crossing Niles Street northbound, outside of a designated crosswalk, when she was hit by an oncoming vehicle. She sustained major injuries and was immediately transported to Kern Medical. Despite medical efforts, Rodriguez succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
Investigation and Legal Implications: Preliminary findings from the CHP indicate that neither alcohol nor drugs were involved in the crash. The investigation will continue to assess the circumstances leading up to the accident, including the visibility at the time of the crash and the speed of the vehicle. While crossing outside of a crosswalk often complicates liability issues, the driver may still hold some responsibility depending on the specifics of the situation, such as adherence to speed limits and the driver’s attentiveness at the time of the incident. In this instance, the family of Rodriguez could consider pursuing a wrongful death claim for their loss.
My deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of Antoinette Andrea Rodriguez during this difficult time. I hope that the investigation reveals more about the events leading up to the accident.
Source: KBAK