LOWER LAKE, Calif. – Lawrence Gene Kerr, 71, of Clearlake was killed in a possible road rage collision Tuesday on Highway 53, according to CHP police reports.
Kerr was reportedly cut off by another motorist, veered off the highway, overturned and struck a tree. The crash took place about 3:30 p.m. on Oct. 24, just north of Anderson Ranch Parkway
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office identified the victim.
Juan Ramirez, 48, of Clearlake was driving a 1994 Ford pickup truck and reportedly got onto Highway 53 in front of Kerr’s 2009 Toyota.
The CHP is investigating what led to the crash, but so far they believe the vehicles somehow ended up side-by-side when Kerr lost control of his vehicle.
Kerr died of his injuries at the scene of the crash.
Police are interviewing several witnesses who saw the collision in an effort to determine liability.
One of those witnesses, Melody Hartnett of Middletown told the newspaper that she saw Ramirez pull out in front of Kerr’s vehicle as he entered the highway near Anderson Marsh. She said Mr. Kerr had to slam on his brakes to avoid a collision with the pickup truck and she also had to hit her brakes to avoid the crash. The two motorists appeared to be engaging in a road rage incident just prior to the collision.
The crash remains under investigation by police.
Those of us at Johnson Attorneys Group offer our condolences to the family of Mr. Kerr at this difficult time.
If there are any legal questions after a collision involving injuries or a death, consider speaking with an experienced personal injury attorney. Call 800-235-6801 to request a free consultation.
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