Man struck by vehicle north of Pioneer Drive in Bakersfield
January 20, 2026 | Bakersfield, CA
Bakersfield authorities reported a tragic pedestrian collision that claimed the life of 68-year-old Salvador Lemus Meza on Oswell Street in east Bakersfield on Jan. 20.
The California Highway Patrol is leading the investigation into the southbound vehicle strike that occurred just before 6 p.m.
Salvador Lemus Meza, 68, died after being struck by a 2009 Nissan Rogue while walking on Oswell Street in Bakersfield.
What Happened in the Crash?
A 2009 Nissan Rogue, operated by a 25-year-old driver, struck Meza while traveling south on Oswell Street, north of Pioneer Drive. Meza, a local resident, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The incident also resulted in the death of a dog involved in the crash.
The driver stopped the vehicle nearby and returned to assist at the location.
Key details of the incident include:
- Date and Time: Jan. 20, around 5:55 p.m.
- Location: Oswell Street, north of Pioneer Drive, Bakersfield, CA
- Victim: Salvador Lemus Meza, 68, of Bakersfield
- Vehicle: 2009 Nissan Rogue, southbound
- Driver: 25-year-old male
- Additional Fatality: One dog
- Agency: California Highway Patrol (CHP)
- Status: Investigation ongoing
Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Like This Occur?
Pedestrian fatalities remain a pressing concern across U.S. roadways, often stemming from factors like reduced visibility, road conditions, and driver inattention. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), approximately 2,304 pedestrians were killed in the first half of 2024 alone, highlighting the need for heightened awareness.
Statistic |
Value |
Source |
|---|
Pedestrian Deaths (First Half 2024) |
2,304 |
GHSA Report |
Annual U.S. Pedestrian Fatalities (Average) |
About 7,500 |
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) |
Common Contributing Factors |
Visibility, Speeding, Distraction |
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) |
Legal Insights on Pedestrian Crashes
Newsline draws on comprehensive analysis to provide clarity in motor vehicle incidents. Insights from legal professionals underscore the importance of thorough investigations in such cases.
“Having the proper resources is extremely important to investigate a pedestrian accident case and prove negligence,” said Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal. “Road conditions, visibility, and lighting are all possible contributing factors considered and examined. An accident reconstruction team is sometimes needed to help piece together what happened. All of these resources are necessary for helping clients receive monetary compensation for damages or a loss following a collision.”
Key takeaways from these insights include:
- Drivers must yield to pedestrians as a primary duty of care.
- Investigations often involve reconstructing the scene to determine fault.
- Families may pursue claims for wrongful death to address losses like income, companionship, and emotional distress.
“It is almost always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal. “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. Insurance companies often try to pressure victims to settle for a quick payout for far less than the case is worth. However, an attorney will vigorously advocate for their client to ensure that they are treated with respect and compensated fairly.”
In cases such as this, professional guidance can help navigate legal complexities while protecting rights during difficult times.
The CHP continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, with no further details released on potential charges.
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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).