Sibichan Varghese, 54, of Stevenson Ranch, Died in Bakersfield Pickup Truck Accident Along Snow Road
BAKERSFIELD, CALIFORNIA (April 16, 2026) – A 54-year-old man identified as Sibichan Varghese has tragically died in a Bakersfield car accident along Snow Road.
Kern County officials are saying that the accident took place around 8:22 PM on Thursday night. Sibichan Varghese was crossing the street when he was hit by a Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck in the number one lane of traffic.
Paramedics were called to the scene of the accident to help the victim. Sadly, Sibichan Varghese was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the pickup truck remained at the accident site and cooperated with authorities. A full investigation into the crash remains ongoing at this time.
Liability for Kern County Pedestrian Accidents
Drivers must use caution to avoid colliding with pedestrians on the roadway. According to California Vehicle Code 21954, every pedestrian upon a roadway must yield the right-of-way to vehicles that are close enough so as to pose a hazard. However, this subdivision does not relieve a driver of their duty to exercise due care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian. Several factors could contribute to any pedestrian accident.
- Speed: Drivers are substantially more likely to be involved in pedestrian collisions if they are traveling at an unsafe speed.
- Blind Spots: Drivers may fail to check their blind spots as they are making turns or changing lanes on a roadway.
- Alcohol: A large portion of pedestrian accidents involve drivers who were intoxicated by drugs or alcohol.
- Inclement Weather: Poor weather conditions can contribute to a driver losing control of their vehicle and striking a pedestrian.
If a driver fails to slow down to avoid hitting a pedestrian, this could serve as evidence of negligence. Even if a pedestrian is outside of a marked crosswalk, this does not relieve a driver of their legal obligation to avoid collisions. Liability for a pedestrian accident could extend to several parties. This includes any private or municipal business that was operating a pickup truck. Pickup trucks are routinely used for commercial purposes across Kern County.
Steps to Take After Kern County Pedestrian Accidents
Thousands of pedestrians are killed or seriously injured every year in preventable car accidents. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, “Drivers struck and killed 7,148 people walking in the United States in 2024, down 4.3% from the year before and the second annual decline, but nearly 20% higher than the 2016 level.” It is important that several measures be taken after any pedestrian accident.
- The police report created after the accident should be collected.
- Any surveillance footage that may have captured the collision should be carefully reviewed.
- The purpose of a pickup truck driver’s trip should be understood.
- The family of any person who died in a pedestrian accident should seek an independent review by a team experienced in accident reconstruction.
Pedestrian accidents tend to be highly preventable. Part of the problem is that many drivers are not properly scanning the road ahead of them for potential hazards. Another major issue is that many counties across California have not always continued to upkeep pedestrian infrastructure as cities have continued to grow. The family of any person who died in a pedestrian accident may be able to pursue some measure of accountability through a wrongful death claim.
Investigating Kern County Pedestrian Accidents
We at Carrazco Law extend our deepest condolences to the family of Sibichan Varghese. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to the authorities. It is our sincere hope that steps are taken to make this stretch of road safer. A number of questions will have to be answered. Is there a history of collisions along the stretch of road? What was the speed of the pickup truck driver prior to the crash?
Do you need more information about a Kern County pedestrian accident? Our team of pedestrian safety advocates is here for you. We are committed to helping victims understand their legal rights and holding negligent drivers fully accountable for their conduct. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support, we are here to serve your needs. You can reach out to us anytime at (800) 541-3244.
