Camry crosses highway after striking Jeep and enters path of tractor-trailer near Bella Vista Drive
December 24, 2025 | Morongo Valley, CA
A multi-vehicle accident amid rainy weather left Kent Usher of Banning with serious injuries after a chain-reaction crash on Twentynine Palms Highway near Bella Vista Drive.
What Happened in the Crash?
Kent Usher, of Banning, sustained major injuries after a chain-reaction crash involving multiple vehicles on Twentynine Palms Highway in Morongo Valley.
California Highway Patrol officials reported that the incident unfolded when a westbound 2020 Toyota Camry lost control on the slick road, colliding with a 2018 Jeep Wrangler driven by Usher. The force of the crash propelled both vehicles across the highway into oncoming traffic, where a 2025 International tractor-trailer struck the Jeep on its side. Moments later, an eastbound 2022 Mercedes SUV slammed into the Camry.
- Date and Time: Dec. 24, 2025, during rainy conditions
- Location: Twentynine Palms Highway near Bella Vista Drive, Morongo Valley
- Vehicles Involved: 2020 Toyota Camry, 2018 Jeep Wrangler, 2025 International tractor-trailer, 2022 Mercedes SUV
- Injuries: Kent Usher sustained major injuries and was airlifted to Desert Regional Medical Center, and drivers of the Camry and tractor-trailer treated for minor injuries at Hi-Desert Medical Center
- Investigation Status: Ongoing by CHP
Usher's family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to assist with daily expenses during his recovery.
Why Do Rainy Conditions Contribute to Crashes Like This?
Wet roads reduce tire traction, increasing the risk of hydroplaning and loss of control, especially on highways with higher speeds. According to the Federal Highway Administration, rain-related crashes account for a significant portion of weather-affected incidents, emphasizing the need for cautious driving in adverse conditions.
U.S. Traffic Crash Statistics
Year |
Injuries Reported |
Change from Previous Year |
Rate per 100 Million Vehicle Miles |
|---|
2022 |
2.38 million |
Not available |
75 |
2023 |
2.44 million |
+2.5% |
75 |
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
These figures highlight the persistent dangers on U.S. roadways, with millions affected annually by collisions.
Legal Insights
In cases such as this involving multi-vehicle accidents, independent reviews play a crucial role in uncovering key details. Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal, stresses the importance of thorough examinations beyond initial police reports.
“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 Newsline. “Time is of the essence in cases such as this, and the victim’s family must ensure that evidence is reviewed efficiently.”
Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal, addresses the broader effects of serious injuries from roadway incidents.
“It is vital for victims to hire an attorney when filing a personal injury claim, which allows them to negotiate with an insurance company on behalf of a client,” Formica added. “Insurance companies often try to pressure victims to settle for a quick payout for far less than the case is worth. However, an attorney will vigorously advocate for their client to ensure that they are treated with respect and compensated fairly.”
- Key Takeaway 1: Prompt legal involvement helps preserve critical evidence like witness statements and digital records.
- Key Takeaway 2: Professional representation counters insurance tactics, aiming for fair compensation covering medical, financial, and emotional losses.
- Key Takeaway 3: Families facing life-altering injuries benefit from professionals who navigate complex claims efficiently.
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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).