Pickup Truck Driver Apprehended After Fatal Sunday Morning Collision on Kern Street
TAFT, CA, (July 27, 2025) - A 47-year-old motorcyclist tragically lost his life Sunday morning in a hit-and-run crash in Kern County, according to the Taft Police Department.
Joe Paul Gongora Jr. was tragically killed Sunday morning when a hit-and-run driver struck his motorcycle along Kern Street in Taft.
The collision occurred at approximately 10:43 a.m. when a Chevrolet Silverado traveling westbound on Kern Street attempted a left turn near Hillard Street. The pickup struck an eastbound Harley-Davidson motorcycle being ridden by Joe Paul M. Gongora Jr., of Taft.
Gongora sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the Silverado fled the scene, but a 48-year-old man later turned himself in on Tuesday. He was taken into custody on suspicion of hit-and-run resulting in death and vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence.
HIT-AND-RUN INVESTIGATION NEEDED
By law, any motorist involved in an accident is required to remain at the scene until authorities arrive. However, statistics indicate that more than one hit-and-run crash occurs every minute on U.S. roads. Many suspects flee the scene because they are intoxicated, driving without a license, or are concerned about being arrested if they remain at the scene.
According to the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), 583 motorcyclists lost their lives in traffic crashes in 2023, the third most of any state in the country.
Candice Bond, an experienced hit-and-run accident attorney, said in such cases it is imperative to have an independent investigation conducted by a seasoned attorney promptly to protect the rights of a victim.
“Having the proper resources is extremely important to investigate a hit-and-run accident case and prove negligence,” added Bond, a Managing Partner of Bond Legal. “Road conditions, signage visibility, and road lighting are all possible contributing factors that must be fully considered. These procedures are necessary for helping someone who has been injured by a hit-and-run driver receive the justice and monetary compensation that they deserve.”
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the investigation, the family of Joe Paul Gongora Jr. may be entitled to a wrongful death claim. Family members of wrongful death victims may seek damages for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a tragic or catastrophic incident such as this.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal.
“We understand just what families must go through, and having their rights protected is vital. A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.”
If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one in a hit-and-run, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free, no-obligation consultation.
(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).
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