(Bakersfield, CA) A Park Way collision resulted in the death of Sheila Mae Barton, 77, in central Bakersfield.
On Friday, August 1, at about 1 p.m., the Park Way collision occurred. According to the Kern County Coroner’s Office, it happened in the 2000 block of Park Way.
When police investigated, they learned Sheila Mae Barton of Bakersfield was on the side of the street. All of a sudden, a vehicle struck Barton, leaving her with serious injuries. As soon as paramedics arrived, they transported her to Kern Medical Center, where hospital staff pronounced her dead the following day at 8:30 a.m. The Bakersfield Police Department is investigating the Park Way collision.
Legal Opinion of the Park Way Collision
The fatal Park Way collision that claimed the life of Sheila Mae Barton raises serious legal concerns. Drivers have a clear duty to avoid striking pedestrians, whether they are crossing the street or standing along its edge. Under California Vehicle Code 21954, pedestrians outside of crosswalks must yield to vehicles. Additionally, VEH 22350, the “Basic Speed Law,” prohibits driving at a speed greater than is reasonable for conditions. If the driver was distracted, impaired, or speeding, they may also face charges under VEH 23152 for DUI or Penal Code 192(c) for vehicular manslaughter.
The fact that Sheila Mae Barton was on the side of the roadway suggests she may not have been in a marked crosswalk, but that does not automatically relieve the driver of fault. If the investigation reveals the driver failed to keep a proper lookout or drove too fast, negligence is placed on the driver. The severity of Barton’s injuries, her transport to Kern Medical Center, and her death the following morning indicate this was a high-impact collision, which may point to excessive speed or inattention.
Sheila Mae Barton’s family may have a wrongful death claim under California Code of Civil Procedure 377.60. They can seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and the emotional and financial support Barton would have provided. Even if Barton was partially at fault for being near the roadway, California’s comparative negligence rules allow her family to recover damages reduced by her share of responsibility. The Bakersfield Police Department’s findings, along with eyewitness accounts, surveillance footage, and accident reconstruction, will be key in determining liability.
What the Family can Do
The family should contact a wrongful death attorney as soon as possible to begin gathering evidence. The attorney can request a police report, witness statements, or nearby surveillance footage on their behalf. Medical records from Kern Medical Center will help establish the connection between the collision and Barton’s death. A citation, arrest, or confirmed impairment by the driver strengthens the case and may lead to punitive damages. Taking action quickly will ensure the preservation of all available evidence. The family’s rights are protected within California’s two-year statute of limitations for wrongful death claims.
We at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the family of the victim. We know this is a difficult time as you mourn the tragic and sudden loss of a loved one. If you have any concerns about navigating the legal process surrounding this horrible incident, call 866-883-4318 to speak with a lawyer.
