Motorcycle struck SUV turning south on Gardner Avenue
January 07, 2026 | Woodcrest, CA
A tragic motorcycle accident claimed the life of Brent Hoquist, a 35-year-old resident of Corona, in a collision with a turning SUV at a busy intersection.
Brent Hoquist, 35, of Corona, died after his Yamaha motorcycle collided with a Dodge SUV at Gardner Avenue and Van Buren Boulevard in Woodcrest.
What Happened in the Crash?
The incident unfolded around 5 p.m. on Jan. 7, when Hoquist was riding his Yamaha motorcycle eastbound on Van Buren Boulevard at a high speed. A Dodge SUV, driven by a 24-year-old woman from Riverside, was heading westbound on the same road and attempted to turn south onto Gardner Avenue. The SUV's front right side struck the motorcycle, ejecting Hoquist from the bike. He was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency responders.
- Victim: Brent Hoquist, 35, from Corona
- Vehicles Involved: Yamaha motorcycle and Dodge SUV
- Location: Intersection of Gardner Avenue and Van Buren Boulevard, Woodcrest
- Time: Approximately 5 p.m.
- Agency: California Highway Patrol (CHP) leading the investigation
The crash is still under active investigation to determine fault and contributing factors.
Why Do Motorcycle Accidents Like This Occur?
Motorcycle crashes often stem from vehicles turning into the path of oncoming riders, a common scenario in left-turn collisions. Distracted driving, blind spots, and failure to yield play significant roles. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), motorcyclists face heightened vulnerability without the protective enclosure of a car.
Statistic |
Value |
Source |
|---|
Motorcyclist deaths in 2023 |
6,335 |
IIHS |
Percentage of all motor vehicle crash deaths |
15% |
IIHS |
Primary cause of deadly motorcycle crashes |
Left-turn collisions into oncoming motorcycles |
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) |
Legal Insights
National legal analysts emphasize the need for thorough investigations in such incidents to safeguard victims' families.
“Motorcyclists are arguably the most vulnerable motorists on the road,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal. “Without the protection of an enclosed vehicle, riders face extreme risks in even low-speed collisions.”
In cases such as this, analysts stress the importance of independent investigations to uncover causes like blind spots or distracted driving.
- An attorney can advocate for families, ensuring accountability for traffic law violations.
- Investigations help protect rights during overwhelming times of grief.
- Distracted motorists and inexperienced drivers frequently contribute to these tragedies.
Can Families Pursue a Wrongful Death Claim?
Following the investigation, Hoquist's family may qualify for a wrongful death claim, seeking compensation for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. “We understand just what families are forced to go through, and having their rights protected is vital.”
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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).