Motorcyclist Killed in Crash at Old River Road and White Lane in Southwest Bakersfield
BAKERSFIELD, CA, (July 03, 2025) - A motorcyclist from Wasco was tragically killed early Thursday morning following a collision in southwest Bakersfield, according to authorities.
Miguel Angel Raya, 46, of Wasco, was killed early Thursday morning in a crash involving a motorcycle and a vehicle in southwest Bakersfield, authorities said.
The victim, identified as 46-year-old Miguel Angel Raya, was riding a motorcycle when he collided with an unknown vehicle around 6:45 a.m. at the intersection of Old River Road and White Lane. Raya died at the scene from his injuries, the Kern County Coroner confirmed.
The driver of the other vehicle remained at the scene, police said.
The crash remains under investigation.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
Motorcyclists face heightened risks on the road due to their smaller size and lack of protective barriers. Tragically, these dangers were underscored by Thursday’s fatal crash in southwest Bakersfield that claimed the life of 46-year-old Miguel Angel Raya.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), motorcycle fatalities accounted for 15% of all motor vehicle crash deaths in 2023. Experts say drivers must remain especially alert around motorcycles—checking blind spots, signaling, and maintaining safe following distances.
“Motorcycle riders are arguably the most vulnerable motorists on the roadways, given the fact that there are no airbags or sturdy windows to protect them from an impact,” said Candice Bond, Managing Partner of Bond Legal and a national analyst for The Legal Advocate.
Bond emphasized the importance of independent investigations in fatal motorcycle accidents: “An accident reconstruction team is sometimes needed to help piece together what happened. All of these resources are necessary for helping clients receive monetary compensation for damages or a loss following a collision.”
She added that experienced attorneys can safeguard the rights of grieving families and ensure the responsible parties are held accountable.
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the results of the ongoing investigation, the family of Miguel Angel Raya may be entitled to file a wrongful death claim. Surviving loved ones may seek compensation for loss of companionship, emotional distress, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from this tragic crash.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal. “A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that the victim's legal rights and best interests are protected.”
Legal representation can help families navigate complex insurance processes and pursue justice on behalf of those they’ve lost.
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).