[08-27-2023] Kern County, CA – 18-Year-Old Male Motorcyclist Killed Following Pickup Truck Collision in Bakersfield

An 18-year-old male motorcyclist was killed after a pickup truck collision in Bakersfield on Sunday afternoon, August 27, 2023.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the incident occurred on Panama Road, just east of Fairfax Road, just after 1:00 p.m.

Officials reported that a GMC truck was moving west on Panama and started to slow down. A Harley Davidson motorcycle following behind the GMC could not stop promptly, resulting in a collision with the truck’s back. This collision led to the rider being thrown off the motorcycle and onto the road.

Officials said the victim was pronounced dead at the scene, and his identity is withheld until the next of kin is notified.

The authorities released no further details regarding the crash. Alcohol or drugs were not believed to be a factor in this incident.

The investigation is ongoing.

Dedicated Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Bakersfield

Motorcycle collisions result in physical, emotional, and financial hardship for the riders. A number of expenses are involved in these incidents, which must be taken into account.

Victims of motorcycle accidents or their loved ones may be entitled to compensation for their injuries or deaths. Our seasoned legal team will thoroughly review each case before taking legal action.

You can rely on our dedicated Bakersfield motorcycle accident lawyers at Arash Law, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., to help you with the insurance claim or effectively represent you in court proceedings.

Our firm has recovered over $750 Million for California clients and is widely acknowledged for its expertise and reputation as one of California’s leading personal injury law firms.

If you want to speak with one of our lawyers, please call (888) 488-1391 or fill out the “Do I Have a Case?” form.

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident

Motorcyclist accidents are distressing and life-altering. You should seek legal counsel if you are injured as a motorcyclist or have lost a loved one due to an accident. The following steps will help you protect your interests:

• Keep calm and do not admit fault.
• Check your body for injuries. Examine the condition of the other individuals involved.
• Wait on the side of the road or in a safe place until the authorities arrive.
• Do not try to resolve the conflict with the other driver. Inform the police of the collision and request a copy of the official report.
• Gather information such as the other driver’s name and insurance provider.
• Take pictures of everything you think is essential, including the scene, the road, your injuries, the other car, and your motorcycle.
• Seek medical attention as soon as possible.
• Keep a file with all accident-related paperwork and information.
• Discuss your accident with an experienced California motorcycle accident lawyer.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Fatal Motorcycle Accident Statistics

Motorcycle crashes significantly impacted the number of traffic-related deaths in 2021, comprising 14% of all traffic fatalities and 17% of occupant deaths. Additionally, 3% of occupant injuries were attributed to motorcycle accidents.

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were over 5,500 reported motorcycle fatalities in the United States in 2020 alone. Furthermore, more than 180,000 motorcycle accidents resulted in injuries requiring emergency department treatment.

When comparing 2020 to 2021, there was an 8% increase in motorcycle fatalities. Over the past decade, motorcycle-related deaths have risen by 19%, and the death rate has increased by 29%. The death rate is 5,932, translating to 30.05 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles.

In 2020, California had approximately 785,000 registered motorcycles, making it one of the two states with the highest rates of motorcycle fatalities. With an average of around 500 motorcycle fatalities yearly, motorcycle accidents have significantly impacted the state.