Kern County, CA – On the afternoon of Saturday, June 20, 2026, a single-vehicle motorcycle collision resulted in the death of Justin Vincent Harter, 37, of Tehachapi, according to KGET, with additional reporting from CHP Fatal.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident took place around 5:21 PM at the intersection of Westwood Boulevard and Brite Valley Road in Tehachapi.
Authorities said Harter was riding a black Honda VTX1300 motorcycle southbound on Brite Valley Road when he allegedly made an unsafe turning movement to the right, causing the motorcycle to leave the roadway and enter the dirt shoulder, where it struck a white Ford F-150 pickup truck that was parked and unoccupied along the shoulder.
The Kern County Fire Department responded and reported major injuries, launching an air ambulance. Harter was pronounced dead at the scene at approximately 5:40 PM. The Kern County Sheriff’s Office formally identified him following his death.
The Kern County Coroner was notified, and a tow was requested for the motorcycle following the conclusion of on-scene proceedings. The investigation remains ongoing.
Single-Vehicle Collisions
In some cases, investigations may reveal that even in a single-vehicle accident, nearby drivers or unsafe road features share some responsibility. California’s comparative negligence rule means that, even if those injured in accidents are found partially at fault, they may still be eligible to receive partial compensation for damages through a wrongful death claim.
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.
