Thursday's collision on Knudsen drive claims life of Shafter resident, Coroner’s Office says
BAKERSFIELD, CA, (August 22, 2024) - A woman was struck by a vehicle on Aug. 22 along Olive and Knudsen drives in Bakersfield, police said. Tragically, the victim later died from injuries on Sept. 1.
Janae Fuller, a 38-year-old Shafter local, lost her life following a vehicle-pedestrian collision that happened on Aug. 22 in Bakersfield, according to the coroner's office.
The Kern County Coroner’s Office identified the victim as Janae Fuller, 38, of Shafter.
Based on preliminary findings, Fuller was driving a vehicle on Knudsen Drive at about 4:41 a.m. when she pulled over to offer help to some people on the roadway. That is when, investigators say, a passing vehicle collided with her.
No information was available about the motorist who struck the Shafter resident.
This is an ongoing investigation.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
According to the California Office of Traffic Safety (COTS), in 2018, around 893 pedestrians were killed on California roadways, a 26% increase from 2014.
“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.
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
“It is almost always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal. The family of Janae Fuller 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 catastrophic accident,” said Formica.
Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help compassionately guide a family through this difficult time, while protecting their rights.
Newsline's national legal analysts Candice Bond and Stefano Formica are experienced in fatal pedestrian accidents, and if you or a family member need help they are available for a free consultation to guide you.
(Candice Bond, Managing Partner, and Stefano Formica, Of Counsel, at Bond Legal, are the national legal analysts for Newsline. 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).