A devastating crash in Escondido has taken the life of 20-year-old Kealan Robert Hannigan. The collision happened during the evening hours of Wednesday, May 28, 2025, near the intersection of Centre City Parkway and Nutmeg Street.
Authorities say Hannigan was riding his motorcycle southbound when a Hyundai Ioniq entered the roadway in front of him while attempting a turn. The sudden movement left the young rider with no time to swerve or stop. He collided with the vehicle and was ejected from his motorcycle onto the pavement.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene and transported Hannigan to Palomar Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead less than an hour later. The driver of the Hyundai, a 67-year-old man, stayed at the scene and spoke with investigators. Police are continuing to evaluate the circumstances surrounding the crash and whether any violations contributed to the tragedy.
If your family has experienced a similar loss, Singleton Schreiber is here to help you understand your legal options and guide you through the next steps with care and compassion. Call us today for a free and confidential consultation.
Why Motorcyclists Are So Vulnerable on the Road
Crashes involving motorcycles are far more likely to result in serious injury or death compared to those involving other vehicles. Riders are largely unprotected, without the frame of a car, airbags, or crumple zones, and even relatively low-speed collisions can have catastrophic outcomes.
Visibility is another serious concern. Motorcycles are smaller and often overlooked by drivers making turns or changing lanes. In many cases, drivers either fail to spot the rider or misjudge how fast they’re approaching, errors that can prove fatal in a split second.
Left-turn crashes like the one in Escondido are especially dangerous for motorcyclists. These collisions often occur when a driver assumes they have enough time to turn but fails to account for a motorcycle’s speed or right of way.
“When a motorcyclist is killed because another driver made a poor decision, families are often left not only grieving but also searching for answers,” says Brett Schreiber, managing partner of Singleton Schreiber. “At Singleton Schreiber, our job is to help them navigate the legal process with compassion and clarity, holding the responsible party accountable while making sure the family’s needs, both emotional and financial, are fully addressed.”
Legal Options for the Family of Kealan Hannigan
Under California law, the surviving family members of a person who died in a crash have the right to file a wrongful death claim. These claims are meant to provide compensation for the emotional and financial consequences of sudden loss, particularly when that loss may have been caused by another driver’s negligent or unlawful actions.
If the investigation determines that the Hyundai driver failed to yield, misjudged the situation, or violated traffic laws, the Hannigan family may be able to pursue damages for funeral expenses, lost income or support, and the immense emotional toll of losing a loved one so suddenly.
Navigating a wrongful death claim can be complex, especially in cases involving motorcycles, where fault is often contested. If you are facing a situation like this one, contact Singleton Schreiber today for compassionate legal guidance. Call us or contact us online to get started today.
