Traffic collision on Highway 178 claims life of Weldon resident, authorities say
LAKE ISABELLA, CA, (September 27, 2024) - A motorcyclist was fatally injured after colliding with a turning vehicle along Highway 178 near McCray Road in Lake Isabella Friday evening, authorities said.
Stephen Michael Prough, a 60-year-old Weldon native, was killed after his motorcycle collided with another vehicle near McCray Road in Lake Isabella Friday evening, the Highway Patrol said.
The Kern County Coroner’s Office identified the victim as Stephen Michael Prough.
According to the California Highway Patrol, 60-year-old Weldon resident Prough was traveling eastbound on Highway 178 around 5 p.m. when it collided with a truck attempting to make a westbound turn onto Highway 178 from McCray Road. Tragically, Prough died at the scene.
No other details were available about the deadly crash.
The investigation is underway.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
“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.
In 2017, 5,172 motorcyclists died in motorcycle crashes, down 3% from 5,337 in 2016, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
“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,” said Bond, an experienced accident attorney.
Bond stressed that in cases such as this, it is imperative to have an independent investigation into the crash conducted by a seasoned lawyer to protect the rights of the victim’s family.
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the investigation, the family of Stephen Michael Prough 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 catastrophic accident.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Bond, a national legal analyst for Newsline.
“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.”
Newsline's national legal analyst Candice Bond is experienced in motorcycle accidents, and if you or a family member need help she's available for a free consultation to guide you.
(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).