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1300+A pedestrian died after a driver struck him and left the scene on Olympia Drive in Bakersfield on Sunday afternoon. Police arrested a 39-year-old Bakersfield man on suspicion of felony hit-and-run and gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.
What Happened on Olympia Drive
The Bakersfield Police Department said officers responded to Olympia Drive and Gallup Drive at about 12:06 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026. They found a man with severe injuries in the roadway. A vehicle was parked on the south shoulder with sideswipe damage, but the driver who caused the crash was gone.
A preliminary investigation found that the pedestrian was either getting into or out of the parked vehicle. An eastbound vehicle then veered out of its lane and struck both the pedestrian and the parked vehicle.
The man was taken to a hospital, where he later died. His name has not been released.
Suspect Vehicle Found Abandoned
Police later found the suspect’s black Dodge Challenger abandoned in a nearby neighborhood. Officers contacted the driver at his home and took him into custody without incident.
Police said driver impairment is believed to have been a contributing factor. An arrest is not a conviction, and the charges are allegations that will be decided in court.
Anyone with information about the crash can call the Bakersfield Police Department at (661) 327-7111.
Hit-and-Run and Intoxicated Driving Under California Law
California law requires drivers involved in a crash that injures someone to stop, share their information, and help the injured person. Leaving the scene of a crash that causes injury or death can lead to felony hit-and-run charges under Vehicle Code 20001.
Gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated falls under Penal Code 191.5(a). It applies when a death results from grossly negligent driving while under the influence.
Sadly, this is not the only deadly crash involving a pedestrian or an impaired driver in Kern County recently. Earlier this month, a pedestrian died in a hit-and-run on Brundage Lane, and one person died in a suspected DUI crash south of Arvin.
Legal Options for Families After a Fatal Pedestrian Crash
A criminal case and a civil claim are separate. Prosecutors pursue criminal penalties. A wrongful death claim seeks compensation for what the family has lost.
Families may recover funeral and burial costs, lost income and financial support, and the loss of a loved one’s companionship. California Code of Civil Procedure 377.60 identifies who can file a wrongful death claim, including certain surviving family members.
When a driver flees, evidence can disappear fast. Surveillance video, vehicle damage, witness accounts, and police reports all help show what happened and who is responsible. A lawyer can work to preserve this evidence while the family focuses on grieving.
Time limits apply. In most cases, a wrongful death lawsuit must be filed within two years of the date of death. Acting early protects the family’s rights.
Talk to a Bakersfield Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
If you lost a loved one in a pedestrian crash, you do not have to sort through the legal process alone. Our pedestrian accident lawyers and wrongful death lawyers help families understand their options after a fatal collision.
Contact us today at (661) 490-9440 for a free consultation.
About the Author
JEFFREY FAYNGOR, ESQ.
Jeffrey Fayngor is the founder of Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer and an experienced personal injury attorney dedicated to representing accident victims. He earned his J.D. from Whittier College School of Law and has recovered over $120 million for injured clients. He has built his practice around helping injury victims protect their rights and pursue the compensation they deserve.