Rider ejected after collision with car on Tulare County roadway
October 05, 2025 | Tulare, CA
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A devastating collision between two motorcycles and an SUV unfolded on Highway 198 in Tulare County, claiming the lives of three men in a tragic incident.
What Happened in the Crash?
Alvin Ince, 58, of Visalia, was killed when his motorcycle collided with a vehicle on Highway 198 near Mooney Boulevard in Tulare County.
The accident took place when a 1999 Jeep Cherokee, operated by 25-year-old Seth Varela from Visalia, attempted a U-turn and was hit by two approaching motorcycles. The riders, 62-year-old Alvin Ince from Strathmore aboard a 2000 Harley-Davidson and 33-year-old Oakley Jones from Porterville on a 2007 Harley-Davidson, struck the Jeep's side. All three individuals were declared dead at the location.
Essential details of the event are as follows
- Date October 5, 2025
- Location Highway 198 near Mehrten Drive, outside Exeter, Tulare County, California
- Vehicles Involved 1999 Jeep Cherokee, 2000 Harley-Davidson motorcycle, 2007 Harley-Davidson motorcycle
- Fatalities Alvin Ince (62), Oakley Jones (33), Seth Varela (25)
- Cause Initial reports indicate the crash happened during a U-turn attempt
The investigation by authorities is ongoing, with no evidence of alcohol or drug involvement noted so far.
Why Do These Accidents Happen?
Crashes involving motorcycles frequently arise from issues like negligent driving, poor visibility, and risky maneuvers such as U-turns. In collisions with multiple vehicles, not yielding or failing to notice motorcycles often plays a major role.
For perspective, below is a table of motorcycle accident statistics from trusted sources
Statistic |
Value |
Source |
|---|
Motorcyclist fatalities in 2023 |
6,335 |
NHTSA |
Percentage of total traffic fatalities |
15% |
NHTSA |
Increase from 2022 |
approximately 2% |
NHTSA |
Helmet use rate for alcohol-impaired riders killed |
55% |
NHTSA |
Common cause Other drivers not seeing motorcyclists |
Majority of multi-vehicle crashes |
NHTSA |
Alcohol involvement in single-vehicle fatal crashes |
Approximately 50% |
NHTSA |
These numbers underscore the persistent dangers for motorcyclists on American roads. Sources NHTSA Motorcycle Safety.
Expert Insights
Newsline reached out to national legal analysts for wider perspectives on motorcycle incidents and possible legal aspects.
"Motorcycle accidents can be extremely severe because riders are so exposed. In situations like this involving a roadway action, families need to know their options for pursuing responsibility and recompense for their tragedy," stated Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal, a national legal analyst for Newsline and seasoned trial lawyer.
Main points from Bond's commentary
- Victims' families might file wrongful death suits if fault is proven.
- Typical factors include not yielding and inattentive operation.
- Seeking legal advice aids in managing claims and probes.
"For accidents with motorcycles and cars, detailed examinations are vital to assign blame. Events like this highlight the need for safety vigilance among all road users," remarked Stefano Formica, Of Counsel with Bond Legal, another national analyst for Newsline with broad background in injury matters.
Main points from Formica's commentary
- Motorcyclists face greater threats in multi-vehicle incidents due to their dimensions and noticeability.
- Making careless parties answerable can offer resolution and economic aid.
- Safety steps encompass cautious driving and following regulations.
These broad observations draw from the analysts' knowledge of comparable occurrences nationwide, without direct ties to this event.
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Have you experienced a similar accident and need guidance? Contact national legal analyst Candice Bond at Newsline for a free, no-obligation consultation today.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).