Vehicle struck woman who entered roadway in Bakersfield
January 12, 2026 | Bakersfield, CA
A pedestrian lost her life in a tragic traffic incident along the 5300 block of South Union Avenue in south Bakersfield.
Wendy Rose Wilson, 25, of Bakersfield died after a 2012 Toyota Yaris struck her in the 5300 block of South Union Avenue.
Authorities identified the victim as Wendy Rose Wilson, 25, a Bakersfield resident, according to the Kern County Coroner’s Office.
What Happened in the Crash?
Investigators determined that a 2012 Toyota Yaris, heading southbound in the number two lane, collided with Wilson around 6:13 a.m. as she stepped into the roadway. She was declared deceased at the location.
- Date and Time: Jan. 12, approximately 6:13 a.m.
- Location: 5300 block of South Union Avenue, Bakersfield, CA
- Vehicle Involved: 2012 Toyota Yaris
- Victim: Wendy Rose Wilson, 25, of Bakersfield
- Outcome: Pronounced dead at the scene
- Factors: No alcohol or drugs involved, and investigation is ongoing
Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Like This Occur?
Pedestrian safety on U.S. roads has deteriorated, driven by larger vehicles such as SUVs and trucks, high-speed infrastructure, and driver negligence. Data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) shows that 84% of pedestrian fatalities in 2023 happened in urban settings, compared to 59% in 1975.
Statistic |
1975 |
2023 |
Source |
|---|
Urban Pedestrian Deaths (%) |
59% |
84% |
IIHS |
Total Pedestrian Fatalities |
Not Available |
Increasing Trend |
IIHS |
Common Causes |
Speed, Vehicle Size |
Reckless Driving, Poor Design |
CDC |
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that motor vehicle crashes remain a leading cause of injury-related deaths, underscoring the need for enhanced safety measures.
Legal Insights
National legal analysts emphasize the importance of thorough investigations in pedestrian incidents to safeguard families' rights.
“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 at Bond Legal.
Bond highlighted the need for an independent review by a knowledgeable attorney in cases such as this to ensure evidence is examined promptly.
- Drivers must yield to pedestrians at all times.
- Families may pursue claims for lost income, companionship, emotional distress, and funeral costs.
- Independent investigations protect against undervalued settlements from insurers.
“It is almost always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal.
Formica noted that in wrongful death scenarios, attorneys advocate for fair compensation, countering pressure from insurance firms for lowball offers.
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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).