Los Angeles Injury Attorney Blog

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY -- While fire crews responded to a Tuesday morning big-rig blaze along Interstate 15 in the Cajon Pass, the freeway became heavily conjested which could have contributed to a horrific motorcycle crash, The Press-Enterprise reported. Firefighting and cleanup efforts closed down two southbound lanes leaving only two open on the I-15, and therefore, causing drivers to seek alternate routes. During the I-15 massive traffic jam, a driver of the Ford Expedition made a U-turn on Highway 138 in front of a 2005 Honda motorcycle. The collision took place at 8:12 a.m. along the westbound lanes just west of Interstate 15. The impact of the collision caused motorcyclist, Keith Westhaver, 28, of Wildomar, to be ejected from his motorcycle as he broadsided the SUV. Police officials reported Westhaver to have died at the scene of the accident.

Cause of the Motorcycle Crash on Highway 138

The accident on September 20th remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol. However, based on the information provided by news reports, it is not clear who is at fault for this devastating accident. Therefore, investigators will continue to look at a variety of factors, which include and are not limited to, the speed of the motorcycle prior to the collision, whether the driver was paying attention to his/her surroundings of the roadway when making a U-turn, and also the conditions of the highway.

Motorcycle Accident Wrongful Death Liability

Accidents involving motorcycles and automobiles can cause catastrophic injuries and death. If police officials come to a conclusion that the driver of the Ford Expedition is at fault for the accident, family members of the victim would be well-advised to contact a skilled and competent San Bernardino wrongful death lawyer. An experienced attorney who has handled motorcycle accidents such as this one, can advise the family of their legal rights and best course of action to recover the maximum compensation for funeral/burial costs, lost earnings, loss of love, care, and companionship, and other damages relating to this tragic motorcycle accident.