(Bakersfield, CA) A 19-year-old man was killed early Saturday morning, January 17, after being struck by a vehicle in a South H Street crash.
The Bakersfield Police Department said officers dispatched called around 1:51 a.m. on January 11 to the 4200 block of South H Street. When officers arrived, they found a young man unresponsive in the roadway.
Emergency medical personnel responded and pronounced the pedestrian dead at the scene. The Kern County Coroner’s Office later identified the victim as Joseph Adam Cruz Jr., 19, of Bakersfield.
Police said a preliminary investigation showed the vehicle had been traveling along South H Street when it struck Cruz. Police did not announce whether impairment or speed played a role in the crash.
Authorities closed South H Street for a period as officers documented the scene and completed the initial investigation. The roadway later reopened after evidence collection concluded. Police said the investigation into the fatal crash remains ongoing.
Overview on the South H Street Crash
When a fatal pedestrian collision occurs during overnight hours, investigators review traffic safety laws to understand what factors may have contributed, without assigning fault prematurely. These reviews focus on visibility, pedestrian movement, and driver attentiveness in low-light conditions.
Because the pedestrian was struck in the roadway, investigators may examine the Duty of Care to Pedestrians Law. This law requires drivers to exercise due care to avoid colliding with pedestrians, including those outside of marked crosswalks. At night, reduced lighting can make detection more difficult, which increases the importance of cautious driving.
Authorities may also review the Pedestrian Right-of-Way Law. This law requires pedestrians crossing outside of marked or unmarked crosswalks to yield the right-of-way to vehicles that are close enough to pose an immediate hazard. Determining where the pedestrian entered the roadway is often a key part of these investigations.
If speed or reaction time becomes a question, investigators could consider the Basic Speed Law. This law requires drivers to travel at speeds reasonable for traffic, visibility, and roadway conditions. Overnight driving can reduce reaction time and sight distance, especially on surface streets like South H Street. Together, these statutes help investigators evaluate what may have led to the South H Street crash as evidence continues to be reviewed.
Guidance for the Family
If you have lost a loved one in a pedestrian collision, staying in contact with investigators can help you obtain updates and request the official police and coroner reports when they become available.
You may also consider speaking with a legal professional experienced in fatal pedestrian cases to better understand your options. Emotional support is important, and leaning on family members, friends, or local grief counseling resources can help during an incredibly difficult time.
If you have any concerns about navigating the legal process surrounding this incident, call 866-883-4318 to speak with a lawyer.
