Gina Castaneda Died In Bakersfield Hit-And-Run Semi-Truck Accident By The Intersection of Niles Street and Fairfax Road
BAKERSFIELD, CALIFORNIA (May 10, 2022) – Gina Castaneda has tragically died in a Bakersfield hit-and-run semi-truck accident near the intersection of Niles Street and Fairfax Road.
Kern County police officials are saying that the accident took place around 8:30 p.m. on Friday. Gina Rebecca Castaneda was walking through an intersection when she was struck by a semi-truck that was making a right turn.
The driver of the semi-truck left the scene and is currently being sought by police. Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision on Niles Street to help the victim.
Despite the best efforts of first responders, Gina Castaneda died from her injuries. Kern County CHP officers are asking any witnesses to come forward.
Any person that may have more information about the truck that hit Gina Castaneda can also reach out to Crime Stoppers.
Liability In Bakersfield Hit-And-Run Truck Accidents
Thousands of people are killed or seriously injured in hit-and-run collisions in California. According to one report by Value Penguin, nearly 18,000 people were killed in hit-and-run collisions in California in the las decade. California has 17% of the nation’s hit-and-run collisions. Los Angeles County and San Diego county had some of the highest rates of hit-and-runs within the state. There are a number of factors that could potentially contribute to a car accident.
- Drivers are more likely to crash if they are speeding.
- Nearly a third of fatal collisions involve an intoxicated driver.
- Many collisions are due to drivers that are fatigued.
Truck drivers must get a commercial driver’s license and are held to a high standard in terms of safety. They must exercise all due care in order to avoid hitting pedestrians under California Vehicle Code 21950. Commercial trucks tend to have large blind spots on their sides that can obscure the presence of pedestrians in the roadway. If a truck driver hits a pedestrian while turning they could be held at fault for the accident. The company that they were working for could also be held at fault. In general, companies are liable for the negligent actions of their employees.
If a truck driver fled the scene of a collision, they could also face criminal sanctions in addition to civil liability. According to California Vehicle Code 20001, the driver of any vehicle involved in a collision that causes bodily injury or death must stop at the scene of the accident. They should contact police and exchange insurance information with the affected driver. Drivers that flee the scene of a collision could face jail time, fines and license revocation. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any hit-and-run collision.
- Surveillance footage of the accident should be taken.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- Fragments of the fleeing vehicle should be sought.
- Photos of the accident site should be taken.
The family of any victim that died in a hit-and-run truck accident may have legal recourse through California Code of Civil Procedure 377.60. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. Unfortunately, truck companies will often fight hard to deny liability for collisions. One of the ways they can do this is by hiring drivers as “independent contractors.” A wrongful death attorney can examine all of the facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Bakersfield Hit-And-Run Truck Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Gina Rebecca Castaneda. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. The truck driver responsible for this crash should do the right thing and turn themselves in. It’s never too late to do the right thing.
Do you need more information about a Bakersfield hit-and-run truck 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 negligent drivers are held accountable for their actions. Whether you just have questions about the law or need more information about an accident we are here for you. You’re always welcome to reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
