Beaumont, CA (December 12, 2025) – Jason Harris, 40, of Menifee, was tragically killed when an SUV struck him on his motorcycle at the intersection of State Route 79 and California Avenue.
Accident Details: According to authorities, around 5 p.m. on Friday, an SUV was traveling north on State Route 79 when it initiated a left turn. Harris was traveling south through the intersection on his motorcycle when it collided with the turning SUV. The collision ejected Harris from his bike onto the dirt shoulder. Harris was declared dead on the scene.
The SUV driver, a 75-year-old woman, sustained major injuries and was transported to the hospital for treatment.
Neither drugs nor alcohol are suspected to have been a factor in the collision.
Investigation: The California Highway Patrol will continue to investigate the fatal motorcycle crash at the intersection of State Route 79 and California Avenue to determine exactly how the collision occurred.
Investigators will examine physical evidence from the scene, including damage to the motorcycle and SUV, debris fields, and the final resting positions of both vehicles, to reconstruct the sequence of events. Particular attention will be given to right-of-way issues and whether the SUV driver had sufficient time and visibility to safely complete the left turn.
Police are also expected to review traffic signal timing, roadway design, and sightline conditions at the intersection. Witness statements and any available surveillance or traffic camera footage may help clarify the motorcycle’s speed, the timing of the left turn, and whether either party could have taken evasive action prior to impact.
Although drugs and alcohol are not suspected, investigators will still compile a full report to establish a clear and accurate timeline.
Legal Considerations: Left-turn collisions are a common cause of fatal motorcycle crashes, and California law requires drivers making a left turn to yield to oncoming traffic proceeding straight through an intersection.
If the investigation determines that the SUV driver failed to yield the right of way, civil liability may apply even in the absence of criminal charges. Factors such as visibility, driver perception, and reaction time often play a key role in these cases.
For Jason Harris’s loved ones, the loss is devastating. If the SUV driver’s negligence is found to have caused this accident, Harris’s family may be able to file a wrongful death claim. Such a claim could allow his surviving family members to seek compensation for funeral and burial costs, loss of financial support, and the loss of companionship, guidance, and care he would have provided.
While no legal action can undo this tragedy, pursuing a claim can help provide financial stability and accountability as the family begins to navigate life after an unexpected and profound loss.
My heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of Jason Harris during this challenging time.
Source: Patch