He collided with a U-turning SUV during a freeway crossover
October 05, 2025 | Bakersfield, CA
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A tragic and preventable collision on Interstate 5 in Bakersfield claimed the life of a 41-year-old motorcyclist from Paramount, California, when an SUV driver attempted an unauthorized U-turn through a designated area, leading to a fatal impact.
What Happened in the Crash?
Angel Barraza Garcia, 41, of Paramount, died when an SUV attempted a U-turn through a freeway crossover at Grapevine Road and collided head-on with his motorcycle on southbound Interstate 5.
Angel Barraza Garcia was traveling southbound on his motorcycle when the incident occurred, involving a second motorcyclist as well.
- Date and Time: October 05, 2025, at about 11:30 a.m.
- Location: Southbound Interstate 5 at the Grapevine, Kern County, California
- Victim: Angel Barraza Garcia, 41, resident of Paramount, California
- Incident Details: An SUV in a different lane attempted a U-turn through the turn-thru at the Grapevine, turning directly in front of Garcia and another motorcyclist, causing the collision.
- Outcome: Garcia died from injuries sustained in the crash, and details on other parties not specified.
- Authorities' Statement: The California Highway Patrol (CHP) described the crash as avoidable, noting that turn-thrus are not intended for public U-turns.
Why Do These Accidents Happen?
Such motorcycle crashes frequently result from driver errors like illegal maneuvers or failure to yield right-of-way. Motorcyclists face elevated risks due to limited visibility and protection. Per the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists are approximately 28 times more likely to die in a crash per vehicle mile traveled compared to passenger car occupants.
Key Motorcycle Accident Statistics (Source: NHTSA, 2023)
Statistic |
Value |
|---|
Total Motorcyclist Fatalities |
6,335 |
Percentage of All Traffic Fatalities |
15% |
Fatality Rate per 100 Million Vehicle Miles Traveled |
31.39 |
Compared to Passenger Cars (per VMT) |
28 times higher |
Percentage of Alcohol-Impaired Fatal Crashes (2022) |
28% |
These figures emphasize the urgent need for heightened driver vigilance and adherence to traffic laws to protect vulnerable road users.
Expert Insights
Newsline draws on expertise from leading legal professionals to contextualize trends in motor vehicle incidents like this one.
“Motorcycle accident victims who sustain injuries at the expense of a negligent motorist are subject to a personal injury lawsuit, where they may receive compensation for damages. However, in cases where another motorist or entity’s negligence results in another person’s death, surviving family members are entitled to a wrongful death lawsuit following the loss of their loved one.” Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal
“While no amount of money can replace a lost loved one, the importance of contacting and securing a wrongful death lawyer cannot be stressed enough. It is a wrongful death attorney’s duty to assist families whose lives have been suddenly impacted. Our goal is to help those affected to ultimately assist in establishing normalcy after an untimely death.”
- Key Takeaway: Families may pursue compensation through wrongful death claims to address financial and emotional burdens.
- Key Takeaway: Prompt legal consultation can preserve evidence and strengthen case outcomes.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming if you, a friend, or family member have suffered a personal injury or the loss of a loved one following an accident. We understand what victims and families of victims are forced to go through, and having their rights protected is vital. A wrongful death lawyer will stay abreast of the official investigation and help ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.” Stefano Formica, Of Counsel at Bond Legal
- Key Takeaway: Legal representation provides essential support during investigations and proceedings.
- Key Takeaway: Compensation may cover medical costs, lost income, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
What Are the Next Steps for Affected Families?
As the investigation continues, relatives of Angel Barraza Garcia could be eligible for a wrongful death claim, potentially recovering for funeral costs, loss of companionship, and related hardships.
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If a reckless driver has caused injury or death to you or a loved one, Candice Bond is available for a no-cost consultation to help you understand your options.
(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).