She was struck after getting out of a vehicle on northbound Union Avenue
July 18, 2026 | Bakersfield, CA
What happened in the crash?
A 17-year-old girl died after being struck by a vehicle on northbound Union Avenue.
Love Icelyn Dixon, 17, died at a hospital after a northbound vehicle struck her on Union Avenue when she exited a stopped vehicle, and the driver fled the scene.
- Date: July 18
- Location: No. 1 lane, northbound Union Avenue, Bakersfield
- Victim: Love Icelyn Dixon, 17, of Bakersfield
- Agency: Bakersfield Police Department
- Outcome: Victim transported to hospital; pronounced deceased from injuries; driver fled scene
A vehicle stopped in the No. 1 lane. Dixon exited the car shortly after 11 p.m. and was struck by a northbound vehicle traveling in the No. 2 lane. The driver left the scene without stopping.
Why do hit-and-run crashes occur?
Road conditions, signage visibility, and lighting can contribute to these incidents. Drivers are legally required to remain at the scene and contact law enforcement. Failure to do so can result in criminal charges.
Key statistics (Federal Highway Administration and CDC data):
| Year | Hit-and-Run Fatalities | Share of All Traffic Deaths |
|---|
| 2023 | 2,872 | 7% |
Legal Insights
“Road conditions, signage visibility, and road lighting are all possible contributing factors that are considered and must be thoroughly examined. These procedures are necessary for helping those who have lost a loved one receive the justice that they deserve.”
— Candice Bond, national analyst, Newsline
“Drivers must use great care behind the wheel, as even a momentary lapse in attention can lead to deadly consequences.”
— Candice Bond, national analyst, Newsline
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident. We understand just what families are forced to go through, and having their rights protected is vital.”
— Stefano Formica, of counsel, Newsline
Key takeaways in cases such as this:
- Families may pursue wrongful death claims for loss of companionship and emotional distress
- Investigations examine road factors and driver actions
- Legal representation helps protect family rights during official reviews
Anyone with information should contact Bakersfield Police Department at 661-327-7111.
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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).