Bicyclist struck by Subaru on highway near Joshua Street
February 20, 2026 | Hesperia, CA
A tragic incident unfolded early on Feb. 20 when 48-year-old John Hewitt lost his life in a bicycle accident at the intersection of U.S. Highway 395 and Joshua Street.
John Hewitt, 48, died after he was struck by two vehicles while riding a bicycle at U.S. Highway 395 and Joshua Street in Hesperia.
What Happened in the Crash?
According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office, Hewitt was riding his bicycle around 5:28 a.m. when he was first struck by a Subaru. Moments later, a Toyota Camry hit him, leading to his death at the scene.
- Date and Time: Feb. 20, approximately 5:28 a.m.
- Location: Intersection of U.S. Highway 395 and Joshua Street, Hesperia, CA
- Victim: John Hewitt, 48-year-old bicyclist
- Vehicles Involved: Subaru and Toyota Camry
- Outcome: Fatality at the scene
- Investigating Agency: San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office
The collision is currently under investigation to determine the exact circumstances.
Why Do These Accidents Happen?
Bicycle crashes often stem from factors like poor visibility, road conditions, and driver negligence. National data highlights a rising trend in such incidents.
Year |
Bicyclist Fatalities in U.S. |
Source |
|---|
2023 |
1,155 |
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) |
2010 |
Lowest point (specific number not detailed) |
IIHS |
Change Since 1975 |
+15% |
IIHS |
Change Since 2010 |
+86% |
IIHS |
Data from the IIHS underscores the urgency of addressing these preventable tragedies through better infrastructure and awareness.
Legal Insights
Newsline features analysis from national legal professionals to provide context on incidents like motor vehicle collisions involving cyclists.
“In cases such as this, it is imperative to have an independent investigation conducted into the crash by a seasoned lawyer to protect the rights of the family of a victim,” said Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal and national analyst for Newsline. “Having the proper resources is extremely important when investigating a bicycle accident case and demonstrating that there was negligence on the part of a motorist. Road conditions, signage visibility, and road lighting are all possible contributing factors that are considered and must thoroughly be examined. An accident reconstruction team and or even bicycle manufacturing experts are often utilized to help put together what occurred. These resources are necessary to protect the legal rights of the grieving family of a victim.”
Key takeaways from this perspective:
- Independent investigations can uncover negligence by motorists or other parties.
- Factors like lighting and road design play critical roles in crash analysis.
- Specialized professionals help build a comprehensive understanding of the crash.
“We understand just what families are forced to go through, and having their rights protected is vital,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. “A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that their best interests are taken care of. Relatives of wrongful death victims are entitled to seek damages for the loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a tragic or catastrophic accident.”
Additional insights include:
- Families may pursue claims for emotional and financial losses.
- Legal support ensures ongoing involvement in official investigations.
- Compensation can address companionship loss and suffering.
The family members of John Hewitt may be eligible for a wrongful death claim, seeking damages for loss of companionship, pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
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Candice Bond, national legal analyst for Newsline, has experience with fatal bicycle accidents. She offers free consultations to those in need of legal guidance.
(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).