Napa County, CA – On the afternoon of Tuesday, May 12, 2026, a motorcycle collision resulted in the death of Brittany Racquel Rankins, 36, of Sacramento, on her birthday, according to KRON, with additional reporting from CHP Fatal.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident took place around 1:52 PM on eastbound Highway 12 east of Kelly Road.
Authorities said a motorcycle carrying a driver and a passenger was traveling eastbound on Highway 12 and splitting traffic between the two lanes when it struck a black Honda in the right lane.
Rankins, who was a passenger on the motorcycle, was ejected into the roadway and struck by a passing vehicle, sustaining fatal injuries. The Napa County Sheriff’s Office formally identified her following her death.
The drivers of both the Honda and the passing vehicle remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators. Highway 12 eastbound east of Kelly Road was closed following the collision, with drivers advised to use Highway 29 to American Canyon Road to access Interstate 80. The roadway was cleared and reopened at approximately 3:23 PM, approximately 90 minutes after the crash was reported.
Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact the CHP Napa area office. The investigation remains ongoing.
Passenger Liability
A driver’s liability coverage extends to those inside their vehicle as well as outside. In many cases, those passengers are someone who knows the driver personally, a friend or relative. So, when a passenger is injured and their driver is found liable, they may feel reluctant to file a claim against the driver’s insurance.
In many cases, however, a wrongful death claim may be required for an insurer to offer a fair settlement that covers the injured party’s medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages related to the accident. A personal injury attorney can facilitate this process and, as a neutral third party, help navigate any emotional complexities that may arise.
California Fatal Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, contact a California fatal motorcycle accident lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
