The Bakersfield man was struck by a vehicle Thursday night in Bakersfield
July 09, 2026 | Bakersfield, CA
An 83-year-old Bakersfield man died after a vehicle struck him while he was walking in the roadway on Panorama Drive.
What happened in the crash?
Larry Bernard Tombow, 83, of Bakersfield, died after a woman driving west on Panorama Drive struck him in the roadway in Bakersfield.
- Date and time: July 9 around 9:18 p.m.
- Location: Panorama Drive, Bakersfield, CA
- Victim: Larry Bernard Tombow, 83, of Bakersfield
- Vehicle: Car traveling westbound
- Outcome: Victim pronounced dead at the scene, driver remained at the location
- Agency: Kern County Coroner’s Office
Anyone with information is asked to contact (661) 327-7111. The investigation remains active.
Why do pedestrian crashes continue to occur?
Road conditions, visibility, and lighting often contribute to these incidents. Data from the Governors Highway Safety Association shows 2,304 pedestrians were killed on U.S. roads in the first half of 2024 alone.
| Source | Statistic | Period |
|---|
| Governors Highway Safety Association | 2,304 pedestrian deaths | First half of 2024 |
| Federal Highway Administration | Pedestrian fatalities remain a leading traffic safety concern | Annual reports |
Legal Insights
National legal analysts note that thorough examination of road conditions, signage, and lighting helps establish contributing factors in cases such as this.
“Having the proper resources is extremely important to investigate a pedestrian accident case and prove negligence. Road conditions, signage visibility, and road lighting are all possible contributing factors that are considered and must be thoroughly examined.”
— Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal.
“It is almost always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian. 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.”
— Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal.
Key takeaways
- Proper investigation resources support families seeking accountability
- Insurance companies may attempt quick settlements below the case value
- Legal guidance helps protect rights during difficult times
Newsline is a premier digital news platform owned by Belsito Communications, Inc., with an unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity and editorial excellence. All stories undergo a 24-hour review under the Corrections Policy.
(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)
Newsline - is your trusted source for legal news and accident reports, delivering timely updates to keep you informed.
If you or a family member has been affected by a similar incident, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation. Use the contact information provided on this page.
(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).
Tags: Latest News, Non Commercial, Pedestrian Accident, California, Panorama Drive, Bakersfield