Driver strikes pedestrian near 400 block in Tehachapi crash
November 09, 2025 | Tehachapi, CA
A tragic pedestrian accident claimed the life of 61-year-old John Burton Haasjes after he was struck by a vehicle in Tehachapi.
What Happened in the Crash?
John Haasjes, 61, of Tehachapi, died from his injuries after a vehicle struck him in the 400 block of Tucker Road, officials said.
Authorities report that Haasjes was hit around 3:31 p.m. on Nov. 9 in the 400 block of Tucker Road. He received medical attention at Kern Medical but passed away from his injuries on November 14. The Kern County Coroner’s Office confirmed his identity.
- Victim: John Burton Haasjes, 61, of Tehachapi
- Location: 400 block of Tucker Road, Tehachapi, CA
- Date and Time: Nov. 9, 2025, approximately 3:31 p.m.
- Outcome: Succumbed to injuries on Nov. 14 at Kern Medical
- Investigating Agency: Tehachapi Police Department
The incident remains under active investigation, with no additional information released at this time.
Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Like This Occur?
Pedestrian safety on U.S. roads has deteriorated, driven by factors such as larger vehicles, high speeds, and urban design flaws. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), 84% of pedestrian fatalities in 2023 happened in urban settings, a sharp rise from 59% in 1975.
Factor |
Contribution to Pedestrian Crashes |
Source |
|---|
Heavier Vehicles (SUVs, Trucks) |
Increased impact severity |
IIHS |
Speed-Focused Road Design |
Reduced reaction time for drivers |
Federal Highway Administration |
Reckless Driving |
Failure to yield right-of-way |
CDC |
Urban Area Increase |
Higher traffic density |
IIHS (2023 Data) |
These elements highlight the need for thorough investigations to identify negligence.
Legal Insights
Newsline's national legal analysts offer valuable insights into pedestrian incidents, helping families understand their options.
“In most instances, pedestrians possess the right of way when crossing an intersection or a street, regardless of whether they are in a marked crosswalk,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal.
Bond emphasizes the importance of independent investigations in cases such as this.
- Key Takeaway: Hire a seasoned lawyer to protect the victim's rights through evidence collection and review.
- Investigation Essentials: Proper documentation ensures negligence is accurately assessed.
- Family Support: Legal professionals can guide families through overwhelming grief and legal processes.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal.
Pending investigation outcomes, Haasjes' family may pursue a wrongful death claim for loss of companionship.
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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).