Friday Crash on Park Way Kills 77-Year-Old Woman
BAKERSFIELD, CA, (August 01, 2025) - Sheila Mae Barton, 77, was identified by the Kern County Coroner’s Office as the elderly woman killed in a pedestrian collision Friday afternoon in Bakersfield. Barton was struck by a vehicle shortly after 1 p.m. in the 2000 block of Park Way.
Sheila Mae Barton, 77, was struck and killed by a vehicle on Park Way in Bakersfield Friday afternoon, according to a news release.
She passed away from her injuries on Saturday at Kern Medical Center.
Authorities have not released details about the driver. The investigation is ongoing.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
Every year, more pedestrians lose their lives on U.S. roads. These deaths are preventable—drivers can help stop them by being attentive whenever they are behind the wheel. Approximately 2,304 pedestrians were struck and killed by drivers on U.S. roads in the first half of 2024, the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) said in a report.
“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, Managing Partner of Bond Legal.
Bond, an experienced pedestrian accident attorney, noted that it is 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.
“Having the proper resources is extremely important to investigate a pedestrian accident case and prove negligence,” Bond added.
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
“It is almost always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian,” said Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal. The family of Sheila Mae Barton 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,” Bond explained.
Serving as an advocate, an attorney can compassionately guide a family through this difficult time while protecting their rights. “Insurance companies often try to pressure victims to settle quickly for far less than the case is worth,” Bond noted.
“However, an attorney will vigorously advocate for their client to ensure they are treated with respect and compensated fairly.”
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).