Delivery Van Involved in Bakersfield Motorcycle Accident by Renfro Road and Greatest Place

Delivery Van Was Attempting to Make a Left Turn Before Hitting a 54-Year-Old Motorcyclist

BAKERSFIELD, CALIFORNIA (November 30, 2025) – A 54-year-old motorcyclist was seriously injured in a Bakersfield car accident with a white delivery van by Renfro Road and Greatest Place.

Bakersfield officials are saying that the motorcyclist was heading southbound on Renfro Road. The operator of a white delivery van attempted to make a left turn in front of the motorcyclist.

This caused the motorcycle driver to swerve and attempt to avoid the collision. Unfortunately, the motorcyclist was ejected into the roadway and seriously injured in the process.

Paramedics were called to the scene to help the victim. He was transported to a nearby trauma center with major injuries.

The driver of the delivery van remained at the scene and was reportedly not injured in the crash.

Sources of Liability for Bakersfield Delivery Van Accidents

Left turns are among the most dangerous maneuvers that drivers can make. According to the Harvard Business Review, “Left turns (in countries where people drive on the right) are dangerous, too: New York City officials say left turns are 3 times more likely than right turns to cause a deadly crash involving a pedestrian.” Drivers must yield the right-of-way to other vehicles close enough to pose a hazard before initiating a left turn. There could be several sources of liability for any accident involving a delivery van.

Delivery Van Driver: If the person operating a delivery van makes a left turn into the path of another vehicle, this could form the basis of a negligence claim.
Delivery Van Owner: Under California Vehicle Code §17150, the owner of a delivery van could be liable for an accident if they willingly let another person drive and they caused an accident.
Business Owner: The company that owned or operated a delivery van could be liable for the wrongful actions of their driver. In general, employers are responsible for the negligent conduct of their employees who were performing their job duties.
Municipal Entity: In rare situations, a municipal entity like a county could be liable for a car accident if it was caused by a dangerous condition on public property. For example, an intersection may have had an obstructed line of sight that makes it difficult for drivers to see cross traffic.

Motorcycle accidents are often highly complex. The factors that contribute to any crash may take place long beforehand. There could be several liable parties. It is essential that all of the unique circumstances leading up to any crash be properly understood. This is particularly important if commercial vehicles are involved. A thorough investigation into a motorcycle accident can help uncover all of the factors that may have contributed to the crash.

Common Mistakes That Victims Make After Motorcycle Accidents

Many people are seriously injured or killed in motorcycle collisions each year. According to the IIHS, “A total of 6,335 motorcyclists died in crashes in 2023. That is the highest number ever recorded and a 26% increase since 2019. Motorcycle deaths accounted for 15% of all motor vehicle crash deaths in 2023 and were about triple the number of motorcyclist deaths in 1997.” It is relatively common for victims of motorcycle accidents to make a number of mistakes.

Talking to Insurance Companies: One of the most common mistakes that people make after a major car accident is talking to insurance providers. These insurance agents will try to make these conversations seem like friendly chats, but they are designed to either minimize the value of your claim or deny it altogether.
Failing to Seek Medical Attention: Another major mistake that victims make is failing to get medical treatment after a collision. Many of the injuries associated with a car accident will not be immediately obvious. Likewise, failing to seek follow-up care after an initial consultation can open the door to an insurance provider’s claim that you were never that injured in the first place.
Not Keeping Evidence: Failing to keep evidence after an accident is another major problem. Photos of the accident site should be taken and preserved. The same is true of all medical evidence related to a crash.
Posting on Social Media: Talking about your case on social media should be avoided. Even seemingly innocent photos or comments can potentially be used against you by insurance providers.

Perhaps the biggest mistake that people make after a serious motorcycle accident is failing to consult with an experienced injury attorney. An attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case free of charge and let you know what your legal options are. Unlike most attorneys, they do not charge anything upfront. They work entirely on a contingency fee basis and only get paid by the opposing party if they are able to successfully resolve your claim.

Investigating Bakersfield Motorcycle Accidents

We at Samer Habbas & Associates extend our deepest sympathies to the person injured in this Bakersfield motorcycle accident. It is our sincere hope that they will be able to make a full recovery. City officials should consider additional measures to help make this intersection safer. As Kern County has continued to grow over the years, the infrastructure has simply not kept pace.

Have you or someone you care about been injured in a Bakersfield delivery van accident? You may have legal recourse. Our team of experienced Orange County motorcycle accident attorneys is here to help you. We care deeply that victims get all of the medical and financial resources that they need to recover. Whether you just have questions or need a free, independent investigation into any particular incident, we are here to serve your needs. You can reach out to us anytime at 949-727-9300.