[10-08-2023] Kern County, CA – Male Motorcyclist Killed, Another Injured After Vehicle Collision near Grapevine

A male motorcyclist was killed, and another was injured after a vehicle collision near Grapevine, Kern County, on Sunday morning, October 8, 2023.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the incident occurred around 11:09 a.m. on the number two lane of southbound I-5, north of Fort Tejon Road.

Authorities stated that a pickup truck was stopped on the freeway for unknown reasons. Two motorcyclists, a 25-year-old Santa Ana man and a 33-year-old Fontana man, crashed into the pickup’s rear at an undetermined speed, causing both to be ejected.

The 33-year-old rider was pronounced dead at the scene, while the 25-year-old rider was airlifted to the nearest hospital in critical condition. It is unclear if there were any occupants in the pickup during the collision.

Drugs or alcohol were not believed to be factors in the incident. An investigation is underway to determine what caused the crash and why the pickup was stopped on the road.

Dedicated Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Grapevine, Kern County

Motorcyclists and their loved ones are often subjected to emotional trauma and financial hardship following motorcycle accidents. These types of accidents usually result in severe injuries, high recovery costs, and even death.

Motorcycle accident victims or their loved ones are entitled to compensation for their injuries or deaths. Before taking legal action, our experienced legal team will thoroughly examine your case.

You can rely on the advice of our seasoned Kern County motorcycle accident attorneys 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 experience and success 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.

9 Essential Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident in Grapevine

After a motorcycle accident, you might feel confused and unsure, with lots of important questions. Whatever the situation, know that you can speak with one of the California motorcycle accident lawyers immediately about your injuries and the damage to your belongings. It is beneficial to consult a legal expert as soon as possible.

Here are the steps you should take after a motorcycle accident:

1. Stay calm. It’s normal to feel worried after a crash or get very angry at the other parties involved. But remember, things you do and say right after the accident might not help you later. Stay calm, and don’t say it was your fault.
2. Get to a safe location. If you can, move to the side of the road and wait for the police. If your vehicle is disabled, you should place it on the side of the road to prevent further accidents. Wait for the police and a tow truck if you cannot move it.
3. Check for injuries. Check for apparent injuries like cuts or fractures on yourself and others. Your legal duty is to remain at the scene until you know no one has been injured or requires assistance. Call for an ambulance immediately. Severe injuries may include traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries.
4. Call the police. Ensure to inform the police about the accident to have an official record. They can gather crucial details about the other driver, road conditions, and what witnesses say.
5. Gather information. Even if the police officer takes notes, writing things down yourself is a wise choice. Get info like the other driver’s name and insurance, especially if you’re not hurt. If you need to go to the hospital, have a friend or family member collect the information.
6. Take photographs. Take photos of your motorcycle, the other driver’s vehicle, the road, and your injuries. If there’s anything else important, like a hidden stop sign or something in the road, take pictures of that, too. The more details you have from your accident, the better it is if your case goes to court.
7. Seek medical attention. Head to the hospital quickly after an accident; you may have overlooked significant injuries. Motorcycle accidents can harm your head or brain, and these injuries might not be immediately obvious. Hospital tests can detect such injuries before it’s too late.
8. Keep documents organized. Make a folder with all the documents about your accident. This can include photos, medical records, a copy of the police report, statements from witnesses, and information about the other driver. Organizing your documents before negotiating compensation with the other party’s insurance company or pursuing legal action is helpful.
9. Contact our trusted motorcycle accident firm. You have two years from the date of your injury to initiate a personal injury claim. However, promptly consulting one of our lawyers can help protect critical evidence and uphold your legal rights. Contact us at (888) 488-1391 to discuss the details of your accident. Our motorcycle accident lawyers provide comprehensive coverage across the entire state of California.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Fatal Motorcycle Accident Statistics

According to the National Safety Council, motorcycle riders accounted for 14% of all traffic fatalities, 18% of all occupant deaths, and 4% of all occupant injuries in 2020. This is despite making up only 3% of all registered vehicles and 0.6% of vehicle kilometers traveled. Trends in motorcycle deaths are affected by helmet use.

Motorcycle fatalities rose 11% from 2019 to 2020, while the rate per 100 million vehicle kilometers driven rose 23%. The death and mortality rates have risen by 20% and 27% in 10 years. Presently, the rate is 31.64 per 100 million vehicle kilometers, with 5,579 deaths.

A report from the Insurance Information Institute says motorcycles are less crash-resistant than cars. They’re less stable and less noticeable than four-wheel vehicles. Motorcycle riding demands distinct driving skills compared to four-wheel driving. Riders and their passengers are also more sensitive to weather and road hazards.