Bakersfield Pedestrian Crash Victim Antonio Rodriguez, 73, Passes Away at Kern Medical
BAKERSFIELD, CA, (August 10, 2025) - An elderly man was killed Saturday morning in a traffic collision in east Bakersfield, according to a news release. The incident occurred near East 9th Street and Union Avenue. The Kern County Coroner’s Office identified the victim as Antonio Rodriguez, 70, of Bakersfield.
Antonio Rodriguez, 70, was fatally struck by a vehicle along Union Avenue in east Bakersfield Saturday morning, authorities reported.
Rodriguez was struck just before 9 a.m. along Union Avenue and was taken to Kern Medical, where he later died from his injuries at 9:42 p.m. Authorities reported that alcohol or drugs were not involved. The investigation is ongoing.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
Walking on American roads has grown increasingly dangerous over the years, largely due to the surge in heavier vehicles like SUVs and pickup trucks, speed-focused road design, and reckless driver behavior. Eighty-four percent of pedestrian deaths in 2023 occurred in urban areas, up from 59% in 1975, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
“In most instances, pedestrians possess the right of way when crossing an intersection or a street regardless of if they are in a marked crosswalk,” said Candice Bond, an experienced pedestrian accident attorney.
Bond, Managing Partner of Bond Legal, noted that it’s imperative to have an independent probe conducted by a seasoned lawyer to help protect the rights of the victim’s family in cases such as this.
Time is of the essence in cases such as this, and the family of a victim must be ensured that evidence is reviewed in an efficient manner.
“It is almost always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian,” said Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal. The family of Antonio Rodriguez may be entitled to a wrongful death claim.
“Family members of wrongful death victims may seek damages for loss of income and companionship, pain and suffering, funeral expenses, and emotional distress following a tragic or catastrophic accident,” Bond explained.
“Insurance companies often try to pressure victims into quick settlements that are far less than the case is worth,” Bond added. “However, an attorney will vigorously advocate for their client to ensure they are treated with respect and receive fair compensation.”
Candice Bond, national legal analyst for Newsline, has extensive experience with fatal pedestrian accidents. If you or a loved one needs help, she offers free consultations.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).