Ric William Hartman, 76, Killed in Motorcycle Crash on Hwy 178 near Mountain Mesa in Kern County

Kern County, CA – The Kern County Coroner’s Office has identified the motorcyclist who lost his life in a crash on Highway 178 on the morning of July 2, 2024, near Mountain Mesa as 76-year-old Ric William Hartman of Lake Isabella, according to KBAK.

At approximately 7:39 AM, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) received a call reporting a solo-vehicle accident involving a motorcyclist on Highway 178, just west of Mobile Drive.

According to the CHP, their investigation revealed that Hartman was riding his 1999 Harley Davidson westbound on Highway 178 at an unknown speed. For reasons still under investigation, Hartman made an unsafe turn, causing his motorcycle to veer off the roadway. The Harley Davidson traveled down an embankment and rolled over, resulting in Hartman being ejected from the vehicle.

Emergency responders arrived at the scene, but despite their efforts, Hartman succumbed to his injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The exact cause of the crash remains under investigation as officials work to determine all contributing factors.

The area around Highway 178 near Mobile Drive is known for its beautiful but sometimes hazardous terrain, which requires careful navigation, especially for motorcyclists.

The CHP has not yet determined if speed or other factors played a role in the accident.

Liability in Single-Vehicle Collisions

In certain situations, investigations may uncover that some liability for a single-vehicle collision falls on other drivers nearby or even on unsafe roadway structures. Sorting through these details to help victims and their families secure proper compensation is one of the key services a personal injury attorney offers.

After establishing liability, a personal injury attorney can negotiate with insurance companies on the victim’s behalf. Insurance companies invariably aim to minimize payouts for claims they cannot deny, making legal representation crucial for obtaining fair compensation.

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