Deadly collision was along Bear Valley Rd at the intersection with Iroquois Rd, officials say
APPLE VALLEY, CA, (November 04, 2024) - A young motorcyclist from Hesperia was fatally struck by an allegedly impaired driver in Apple Valley on Monday afternoon, according to authorities.
John R. Akers, a 23-year-old Hesperia local, lost his life in a crash involving a motorcycle and a vehicle on Bear Valley Road in Apple Valley Monday afternoon, according to authorities.
The tragedy unfolded on Bear Valley Road at the intersection with Iroquois Road, near the Burger King restaurant.
Based on preliminary findings, 23-year-old John R. Akers was riding a black Harley Davidson Road King westbound in the number one lane, and, at the same time, a black Hyundai Genesis was going eastbound in the left-turn lane. At about 3:52 p.m., the Hyundai's driver reportedly made an unsafe turn, resulting in a broadside collision with Akers' bike. The man driving the Hyundai fled the scene after the crash. However, he was later arrested on multiple charges.
Tragically, Akers died from injuries. "My son was talented beyond belief," the 23-year-old's father, Robert, said.
Any additional information about the crash can be shared with Apple Valley Sheriff’s Station at (760) 240-7400.
This is an ongoing investigation.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
Drinking and driving is an act that has invariably put other motorists at risk and, in this case, tragically ended the life of a motorcycle rider.
“Motorcyclists are arguably the most vulnerable motorists on the road,” 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).
Bond, an experienced motorcycle accident attorney, noted 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.
“Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help compassionately guide a family during this difficult time while ensuring that a driver is held accountable if they do not obey traffic laws.”
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the results of any investigations, the family members of John R. Akers may pursue a wrongful death claim. Survivors of wrongful death victims may seek damages for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a catastrophic accident such as this.
Bond, a national legal analyst for Newsline, said, “Grieving families of victims are sometimes overwhelmed by the legal processes that are in place to protect their rights. An attorney can be a valuable and compassionate resource to help guide a family during difficult times and ensure that those left behind receive the restitution they are entitled to.”
“No amount of money is enough for a victim or their family to deal with the trauma and pain they experienced after a catastrophic crash. However, an attorney can help ease the financial burden and provide a path forward,” Bond stated.
If you have been injured or a loved one has been killed at the hands of a drunken driver and would like a no-cost consultation, our national legal analyst Candice Bond is 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).