Harley-Davidson Crash Kills Motorcyclist, Passenger on Hwy 178 in the Kern River Canyon

Bakersfield, CA – According to KGET, in the Kern River Canyon on Sunday afternoon, May 12, 2024, a Harley-Davidson crash resulted in the deaths of a 77-year-old male motorcyclist and his 75-year-old female passenger, both residents of Tehachapi.

California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers reported that the motorcyclist lost control of his Harley-Davidson while failing to navigate a turn on Highway 178 just west of milepost marker 24, causing the bike to careen down a 50-foot embankment and overturn. Both the 77-year-old motorcyclist and his 75-year-old passenger were ejected from the motorcycle, sustaining major injuries.

Emergency responders faced challenging terrain, navigating approximately 50 feet down into the canyon near mile markers 23 and 24 to reach the victims. Despite efforts at the scene, both individuals were pronounced dead at the scene.

Authorities have indicated that driver impairment may have been a contributing factor in the crash, although investigations into the precise circumstances are ongoing.

Passenger Liability

The liability insurance that drivers carry is not just meant to cover accidental harm caused to those outside of the vehicle. A driver is responsible for the safety of those in their vehicle as well. While making a wrongful death or personal injury claim against someone who knew the victim personally may prove emotionally challenging, the financial burdens following a vehicular accident can be hefty.

A good personal injury attorney can help grieving families seek proper compensation for their loss by navigating these tricky issues, as well as negotiating on the victim’s behalf with insurance companies, who routinely work to minimize the payout of any claim they cannot deny.