A tragic collision between a sedan and a semi-truck on Bear Mountain Boulevard in Arvin, California, claimed the life of 19-year-old Tyshawnda Shardi Lakeysha Griffin and left another individual seriously injured on Wednesday, April 15, 2025. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the crash occurred around 7:45 pm near General Beale Road.
CHP’s preliminary investigation revealed that a 2004 Honda sedan was traveling westbound on Bear Mountain Boulevard when it suddenly veered into the eastbound lanes for unknown reasons. The Honda collided head-on with a 2014 Volvo semi-truck that had been approaching in the opposite direction while traveling at about 55 MPH.
The driver of the Honda, identified by the Kern County Coroner’s Office as 19-year-old Tyshawnda Shardi Lakeysha Griffin, was pronounced dead at the scene. A passenger in the Honda suffered major injuries and was transported to Kern Medical for treatment. The driver of the semi-truck remained at the scene and cooperated with authorities.
Understanding the Dangers of Head-on Collisions
Head-on collisions like the one that occurred in Arvin are among the most deadly types of car accidents. When two vehicles traveling in opposite directions crash front-to-front, the force of impact can be catastrophic, especially when one of the vehicles is a large truck. These types of accidents often result in severe injuries or fatalities.
Such collisions may occur due to a variety of reasons, including:
- Distracted driving
- Fatigue
- Medical emergencies
- Impairment by drugs or alcohol
- Confusion about roadway layout
Contributing factors such as poor visibility, lack of road barriers, and high speeds on rural roads can also increase the risk of head-on crashes. In this case, investigators are still working to determine why the Honda entered the opposing lane.
“In tragic incidents like this, it’s important to understand that multiple people may be affected and deserve support,” says Gerald Singleton, managing partner of Singleton Schreiber. “Injured passengers, professional drivers, and the families of those lost may all have legal rights worth exploring. We’re here to help guide them through the process.”
Legal Impact on Survivors and Other Victims
Head-on collisions are among the most dangerous types of traffic accidents, especially when they involve large commercial vehicles. Survivors of these crashes, whether passengers or other drivers, may face lifelong consequences from injuries, trauma, and financial loss.
In this case, both the injured passenger and the semi-truck driver may have legal options.
- The passenger in the Honda may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Depending on the findings of the investigation, they could pursue a personal injury claim against any liable parties, including the driver’s estate, a vehicle manufacturer, or a third party if external factors played a role.
- The semi-truck driver, though physically unharmed, may also have a claim. Truck drivers involved in traumatic crashes may suffer emotional distress, lost income during recovery, or damage to their commercial driving record. If another party is found at fault, they may be able to pursue compensation.
- Depending on the outcome of the investigation, the Honda driver’s family may also have legal options. If a third party, such as a vehicle manufacturer, road maintenance agency, or another external factor, contributed to the crash, her family could potentially pursue a wrongful death claim.
If you’ve lost a loved one in a car accident or been involved in one yourself, Singleton Schreiber may be able to help. Call us today at (619) 771-3473 or email us at info@singletonschreiber.com to schedule a free consultation to learn more about your options.
