Kramer Hills, California (August 30, 2025) — Two people lost their lives and another was seriously injured in a head-on collision on Highway 395 in San Bernardino County over the weekend, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Incident Details: The crash occurred around 3:15 p.m. Saturday near Alcudia Road in the Kramer Hills area. CHP officials reported that 19-year-old Jannalise Santoyo Lara of Madera was driving a 2008 Toyota Camry southbound when her vehicle veered into the northbound lanes. The Toyota struck a 2010 Audi head-on, driven by a 21-year-old man from Ridgecrest. Immediately after the initial impact, a 2019 Kia, traveling just behind the Audi, collided with the Toyota. The force of the crash was devastating. Both Lara and the Audi’s driver died at the scene from their injuries. The 60-year-old Tehachapi man driving the Kia was airlifted to a trauma center with severe injuries. Authorities have stated that intoxicated driving is not suspected at this stage, but the cause of the collision remains under investigation.
Investigation and Legal Considerations: Head-on collisions are among the deadliest types of motor vehicle accidents because of the combined force of two vehicles traveling in opposite directions. In this case, preliminary findings suggest that the Toyota veered into oncoming traffic, triggering the chain of events. Investigators will work to determine why Lara’s vehicle crossed the center line — whether due to distraction, fatigue, a medical emergency, or another cause. Even when intoxication is not suspected, other forms of negligence or vehicle malfunction may play a role.
From a civil standpoint, the families of the deceased victims face immense loss. The family of Jannalise Santoyo Lara may have questions about whether vehicle defects or roadway conditions contributed to the crash, while the family of the unidentified Ridgecrest man may be eligible to pursue a wrongful death claim on his behalf. These claims can help compensate for funeral expenses, lost income, and the emotional impact of losing a loved one. The seriously injured Kia driver may be entitled to pursue damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term suffering through a car accident claim.
Accidents of this magnitude often require accident reconstruction experts to determine the sequence of events and identify all possible contributing factors. In some cases, multiple parties can share liability, from individual drivers to vehicle manufacturers or public agencies responsible for roadway safety. Holding the correct parties accountable ensures that victims and their families receive the resources they need for recovery and justice.
I extend my condolences to the families of Jannalise Santoyo Lara and the young man from Ridgecrest. My thoughts are with the Tehachapi man as he recovers.
Source: Victorville Daily Press