Lakeside, CA (April 16, 2024) – Jeremy Ponton, a 34-year-old from Alabama, died following a collision in Lakeside on Tuesday evening. The accident occurred at around 8:05 p.m. when his motorcycle, a 2005 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R, crashed into a 2013 Ford F-150 that was backing out of a driveway on Winter Gardens Boulevard north of Lemon Crest Drive.
Incident Overview: According to investigators, Ponton was traveling at a high rate of speed southbound on Winter Gardens Boulevard when a Ford F-150, driven by a 28-year-old from Lakeside, pulled into the lane from a driveway. Ponton was unable to stop or slow down in time, resulting in a high-impact collision with the rear of the Ford, leading to both vehicles catching fire. Ponton was taken to UCSD Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead. The driver of the F-150, as well as his unidentified passenger, were uninjured in the crash.
Investigation and Analysis: While at a surface level the evidence suggests that Ponton was speeding, there are also other factors to consider in this crash that could affect liability. For example, if the other driver was pulling out of a driveway, it is quite possible that they didn’t thoroughly check for oncoming traffic. This would be difficult to prove if the family of Ponton decided to file a wrongful death claim. However, depending on the lighting at the time of crash, it’s also possible that there was reduced visibility. This adds a layer of complexity to the incident and calls into question the share of liability between all parties.
I offer my condolences to Ponton’s family and friends during this difficult time. I hope that the investigation reveals more information about the circumstances of the accident.
Source: Times of San Diego