Mettler, CA – Kern County Coroner has identified the pedestrian who was fatally struck by a vehicle while walking on the highway in Mettler on the morning of Friday, December 6, 2024, as 77-year-old Michael Anthony Lorusso, according to KBAK.
The California Highway (CHP), reports that the collision occurred around 6:10 AM on Highway 99 near Highway 166.
Investigations suggest that Lorusso was walking within the traffic lanes when he was struck by a 2021 GMC Yukon that had been heading southbound on Highway 99 at a speed of approximately 75 miles per hour.
Despite the lifesaving efforts of emergency responders, Lorusso was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the GMC, who was not injured in the crash, remained with Lorusso and cooperated with authorities in their investigation.
There has been no indication as to whether intoxication played a factor in this fatal accident.
Partial Liability in Pedestrian Accidents
California Law does not consider pedestrians to have the right-of-way under all circumstances, such as if they attempt to cross outside of a crosswalk. However, motorists are never relieved of the expectation to provide pedestrians with a Duty of Care toward their safety.
It may therefore be determined that a motorist is held only partially liable in a pedestrian accident. Should that be the case, they would be financially responsible for the victim’s recovery costs in proportion to their degree of liability.
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, feel free to contact Maison Law for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
