Tragedy on I-880: Rider Killed in Lane-Splitting Crash Near Hegenberger
What This Oakland Motorcycle Fatality Tells Us About the Dangers Riders Face—and the Justice They Deserve
Another rider is gone. Another family is grieving. And once again, it happened on a California freeway—this time on Interstate 880 near Hegenberger Road in Oakland.
According to the California Highway Patrol, a motorcyclist was killed around 4:40 p.m. on Sunday afternoon when a car changed lanes and the rider, who was reportedly lane-splitting at the time, crashed into the back of the vehicle. The impact threw the rider onto the freeway. He died at the scene.
His name hasn’t been released yet. But someone out there is missing a brother, a son, a friend. Maybe even a father.
Lane-Splitting Isn’t the Problem—But Bad Driving Is
Let’s be clear: lane-splitting is legal in California. It always has been. When done responsibly, it can reduce congestion, improve safety in traffic, and give riders a way out of dangerous situations.
But even with the law on our side, riders are still treated like we don’t belong on the road.
Every day, drivers drift between lanes without signaling. They swing wide without checking mirrors. And far too often, they claim, “I didn’t see the motorcycle.”
That excuse isn’t good enough—not when lives are on the line.
The CHP's Report Raises More Questions Than It Answers
CHP Officer Adib Zeid said the rider was lane-splitting when the driver of the car changed lanes. It’s unclear whether the rider was speeding or whether the driver used a turn signal or even looked. Investigators also haven't determined if drugs or alcohol were a factor.
The investigation is ongoing. But here’s what we know: the rider had the right to be there.
Two Lanes Closed, One Life Lost
The crash shut down two lanes of southbound I-880 for about two hours and triggered a SigAlert. That’s inconvenient for traffic—but nothing compared to the heartbreak felt by the people who loved that rider.
And the truth is, this kind of crash happens far too often.
Why Lane-Splitting Crashes Like This Are So Common
If you ride in California, you know how dangerous freeways like I-880, I-580, or Highway 101 can be—especially in cities like Oakland, San Jose, Los Angeles, or Sacramento where congestion is constant and visibility is limited.
Here’s why lane-splitting crashes happen so frequently:
Drivers don’t check mirrors or blind spots before changing lanes
Drivers get irritated and “block” motorcycles trying to pass
Riders have to make split-second decisions to avoid being boxed in
Sudden lane shifts, road debris, and distracted driving all combine to make already-risky situations deadly
And after the crash? It’s almost always the rider who gets blamed—especially if they didn’t survive to tell their side of the story.
At McCarthy Motorcycle Law, We Fight for Riders Who Can’t Speak for Themselves
We’ve seen this story too many times. And it never gets easier.
We’ve lost friends in crashes just like this one. We’ve represented families left behind, struggling to get straight answers while insurance companies do everything they can to delay, deny, or minimize what happened.
If you’ve lost someone in a crash like this—or you’ve been hurt in one yourself—we want you to know something:
You’re not alone. And you have rights.
What to Do After a Fatal Motorcycle Accident in California
If someone you love was killed in a motorcycle crash, you may be able to bring a wrongful death claim against the at-fault driver.
This can help you recover damages for:
Funeral and burial costs
Medical bills from emergency responders
Lost income and financial support
Loss of love, companionship, and guidance
Pain and suffering (in a survival action)
But beyond the money, these cases are about something deeper: accountability.
It’s not about revenge. It’s about making sure drivers understand that they can’t just change lanes without looking and expect to walk away without consequences.
If You Were Hurt in a Lane-Splitting Crash
Surviving a crash like this is rare—but if you’re lucky enough to be alive, you may still be facing:
Traumatic brain injuries
Crushed bones or amputations
Spinal cord damage
PTSD, anxiety, or depression
Months—or years—of recovery
You may be entitled to compensation for:
ER visits, surgeries, and rehab
Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
Damage to your motorcycle and gear
Ongoing therapy or disability care
Don’t Let the Insurance Company Blame You for Lane-Splitting
Insurance companies love to twist the facts. They’ll say lane-splitting is “inherently dangerous” or “reckless.” They’ll claim you “assumed the risk” just by being on a motorcycle.
That’s garbage.
Lane-splitting is legal in California. The law says drivers must change lanes safely. End of story.
If a driver failed to check their blind spot or merged without warning—that’s on them, not you.
We know how to prove it. And we know how to win these cases.
Built by Riders. Fighting for Riders. All Across California.
At McCarthy Motorcycle Law, we don’t just handle motorcycle cases—we live and breathe them.
We’re not some generic personal injury firm with a motorcycle page slapped on the website. This is all we do. And we ride too, so we understand the risks, the roads, and the ways riders are treated unfairly after a crash.
If you’re in Oakland, Hayward, San Leandro, or anywhere in the Bay Area, we’re here to help you:
Understand your rights
Investigate the crash properly
Push back when the insurance company blames you
Tell your story the way it should be told
And if we can’t help you for some reason? We’ll point you to someone who can.
Free, Confidential, No-Pressure Consultations
You’ve been through enough already. Getting legal help shouldn’t be a hassle.
Here’s what working with us looks like:
You fill out our free case evaluation form
It goes straight to our inbox. Not a call center. Not a chatbot.We respond quickly—usually the same day
If we can help, we set up a free consultation
You never pay us a dime unless we win
There’s no pressure. No confusing contracts. No hidden fees.
Just honest answers from lawyers who ride.
If You Knew the Rider Lost on I-880
If you’re reading this because you knew the rider who died in that crash near Hegenberger, we’re so sorry for your loss. Please know that your grief matters. And so does his story.
We’d be honored to help you tell it.
And if the driver is found to be at fault, we’ll fight to hold them accountable—not just for the sake of justice, but so it doesn’t happen to the next rider.
McCarthy Motorcycle Law – California’s Motorcycle Law Firm
Built by Riders. Fighting for Riders. Everywhere in California.
Whether you’re in Oakland, Los Angeles, Sacramento, or anywhere in between—we’re here when the unthinkable happens.
Don’t let insurance companies write the final chapter of your story.
Let’s write the next one together.
Why We Ride—and Why We Fight
Welcome to California’s Motorcycle Law Firm Blog
If you’ve ever twisted the throttle and felt the wind hit your chest, you already know—riding isn’t just transportation. It’s freedom. It’s community. It’s a way of life.
But out on California roads, freedom comes with risk.
And when crashes happen, riders and their families are often left to pick up the pieces alone—fighting insurance companies, battling bias, and trying to rebuild without the support they deserve.
That’s why we started California’s Motorcycle Law Firm.
To stand up for riders.
To give families answers.
To make sure our stories don’t get buried under crash reports and corporate excuses.
Built by Riders. Fighting for Riders.
We’re not a billboard law firm. We’re not interested in ambulance-chasing or quick settlements.
We’re trial lawyers who ride. Who’ve lost people we love in motorcycle crashes. Who’ve been to funerals that never should have happened. Who’ve seen too many riders get blamed for wrecks that weren’t their fault.
We built this firm to do things differently—to fight smarter, care harder, and represent riders like they’re family. Because to us, you are.
What This Blog Is For
This blog isn’t here to spam you with legal jargon or scare tactics. It’s here to be a resource—for riders and the people who love them.
Here’s what you can expect:
Crash analysis and safety tips
Breaking down real California crashes to learn what went wrong and how riders can protect themselves.Legal guidance in plain English
What to do after a crash, how to deal with insurance, and when it’s time to lawyer up.Real talk about bias
We’ll expose how riders get unfairly blamed—and how we fight back in court.Updates on motorcycle law
Lane-splitting, helmet laws, road conditions, legislation—we’ll keep you informed.Stories from the road
From charity rides to courtroom wins, we’ll share what we see out there, and the people who inspire us to keep going.
If You’ve Been Hurt—or You’ve Lost Someone
You don’t need to navigate this alone. Whether you were hit on a freeway in LA, a farm road in the Central Valley, or a coastal route near Monterey—we’re here.
We offer free, fast, confidential case evaluations, and you don’t pay us a dime unless we win. Period.
You can reach out right here and talk to a lawyer who actually rides.
Thanks for Stopping By
This blog is just getting started, but we’ve got a lot to share—and a lot of riders to fight for.
Ride safe out there.
And if the worst happens, you know where to find us.
McCarthy Motorcycle Law
California’s Motorcycle Law Firm
Built by Riders. Fighting for Justice. Across the Golden State.