Highway 395 Head-on Crash at Alcudia Road
KRAMER HILLS, CA, (August 30, 2025) - A two-car, head-on collision in Kramer Hills on Saturday afternoon resulted in two deaths and one serious injury, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP). The Coroner's Office has identified one of the victims as Jannalise Santoyo Lara, 19, from Madera.
A head-on collision near Kramer Junction on Saturday afternoon tragically claimed the lives of two people, including a 21-year-old Ridgecrest resident, authorities said.
The crash occurred around 3:15 p.m. on U.S. Highway 395 at Alcudia Road. Lara, driving a 2008 Toyota Camry, crossed into the northbound lanes and struck a 2010 Audi head-on. A third vehicle, a 2019 Kia Niro SUV driven by a 21-year-old Ridgecrest man, was traveling behind the Audi and also collided with Lara's Toyota.
Both Lara and the driver of the Audi died at the scene. The driver of the Kia was flown to Antelope Valley Hospital with major injuries. The CHP is still investigating the circumstances of the crash.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
Head-on crashes are less frequent compared to other types of accidents but often deadly, causing a disproportionately high number of fatalities and severe injuries due to the combined force of impact. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that 39,345 people died in traffic crashes in 2024.
While the cause and liability of the crash are being investigated, Candice Bond, an experienced accident attorney and Managing Partner of Bond Legal, said that it is imperative to have an independent investigation conducted by a seasoned attorney.
“In addition to the diligent work of law enforcement, an attorney can re-interview important witnesses, analyze any surveillance video from the scene of the crash, and obtain phone and texting records of the liable party,” said Bond, a national analyst for The Legal Advocate.
Time is of the essence in cases such as this, and the family of a victim must be ensured that evidence is reviewed in an efficient manner.
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Based on the investigation, the family members of the Ridgecrest resident may be entitled to a wrongful death claim. Family members of wrongful death victims can seek damages for the loss of companionship, as well as for pain, suffering, and emotional distress following a catastrophic accident.
"We understand that losing a loved one is not only a deeply emotional loss but also an economic one," said Bond, of counsel with Bond Legal.
"If you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, contact a wrongful death attorney and get the guidance needed to obtain the justice you deserve."
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).