Ann Gaitan (Full Name: Ann Frances Gaitan) Died In Bakersfield Hit-And-Run Car Accident While Sleeping At Jefferson Park At 800 Bernard Street
BAKERSFIELD, CALIFORNIA (August 8, 2022) – A woman identified as Ann Gaitan died in a Bakersfield hit-and-run truck accident while she was sleeping at Jefferson Park.
Kern County officials are saying that the accident took place around 6:47 a.m. on July 12. Ann Frances Gaitan was sleeping at Jefferson Park when she was hit by a white truck that fled the scene.
Paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victim. Despite the best efforts of first responders, Ann Gaitan was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police are still trying to find the white truck involved in the collision. Family members of Ann Gaitan said that she had a home and they were unsure why she was sleeping in Jefferson Park.
A full investigation remains ongoing at this time. You can help support the victim’s family through GoFundMe.
Liability In Bakersfield Pedestrian Accidents
Thousands of pedestrians are killed or seriously injured every year in car accidents. According to the National Safety Council, “in 2020 most pedestrian traffic deaths occurred in urban settings (80%), on the open road (76%) versus intersections (24%), and during dark lighting conditions (76%).” The vast majority of pedestrian accidents are totally preventable. There are many steps that drivers should take to avoid hitting pedestrians.
- Drivers should scan the road ahead of them for potential hazards.
- Drivers should slow down in areas with heavy pedestrian traffic.
- Drivers should check their blind spots before making turns.
All drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care in order to avoid hitting pedestrians. According to California Vehicle Code 21950 (c), the driver of any vehicle must reduce their speed to avoid hitting a pedestrian and take all action necessary to safeguard the safety of the pedestrian. If a driver fails to reduce their speed to avoid hitting a pedestrian, this could form the basis of a negligence claim.
If the driver of a truck was working at the time of a collision, the company that they were working for could be held at fault. In general, companies are liable for the wrongful actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. For example, a truck driver may have been delivering materials when they were involved in a crash. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any hit-and-run collision.
- Fragments of the fleeing vehicle should be sought.
- Eyewitnesses should be interviewed.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- A thorough, independent investigation should be conducted.
The family of any person that is killed in a hit-and-run collision may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering. Unfortunately, drivers will often fight extremely hard to deny any responsibility for a collision. This is why it is so important that all evidence is collected and preserved after any accident.
Investigating A Bakersfield Pedestrian Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Ann Gaitan. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. There needs to be some accountability for the sake of the victim’s family.
Do you need more information about a Bakersfield car accident? Our team of pedestrian safety advocates are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any collision we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
