October 5, 2025 | Tulare County, California
A tragic collision on Highway 198 east of Mehrten Drive claimed three lives on Sunday afternoon, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP). The crash involved two motorcycles and an SUV, and tragically, all three drivers were pronounced dead at the scene.
Details of the Fatal Crash
At approximately 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, October 5, 2025, CHP officers responded to reports of a multi-vehicle collision blocking both directions of Highway 198 near Mehrten Drive in Tulare County. When officers arrived, they found two motorcycles and an SUV with extensive damage.
CHP confirmed that the drivers of both motorcycles and the driver of the SUV died at the scene. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, and officers are working to determine the events leading up to the collision.
Authorities have urged all motorists to obey posted speed limits and exercise caution, especially along high-speed corridors like Highway 198 — a major route connecting Visalia and the Sierra foothills that often sees heavy weekend traffic and limited visibility in certain stretches.
A Dangerous Stretch of Central Valley Highway
Highway 198 is one of the most heavily traveled east–west highways in California’s Central Valley, cutting through Tulare County’s agricultural communities and connecting to major routes near Visalia, Exeter, and Three Rivers. Unfortunately, this corridor has been the site of numerous serious and fatal crashes in recent years, often involving speed, driver inattention, or unsafe passing.
When multiple vehicles and motorcycles are involved, the risk of catastrophic injury is significantly higher — and determining fault or liability can require extensive investigation and expert reconstruction.
Legal Rights for Families After a Fatal Crash
For the families of the victims, the days and weeks after such a tragedy can be overwhelming. In California, surviving family members may have the right to file a wrongful death claim when a loved one’s death is caused by the negligent or reckless actions of another driver.
Wrongful death claims can help families recover compensation for:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of financial support and household income
- Emotional distress and loss of companionship
- Medical bills (if emergency care was rendered)
- Future loss of guidance or care
Each case is unique, and time is critical to preserve evidence, witness statements, and accident reports. Consulting an experienced personal injury or wrongful death attorney as soon as possible can help protect those rights.
How NRC Law Can Help
At Nelson, Rozier & Christenson Attorneys at Law (NRC Law), our attorneys have decades of experience representing families throughout Tulare County, Visalia, and California’s Central Valley who have suffered unimaginable loss due to traffic collisions.
Senior attorneys Ryan Nelson and Clayton Christenson lead the firm’s personal injury and wrongful death division, helping clients pursue justice through compassionate, effective legal representation. Their work often includes:
- Conducting independent investigations and obtaining CHP reports
- Working with accident reconstruction experts to establish fault
- Negotiating with insurance companies on behalf of grieving families
- Filing wrongful death claims to seek full compensation under California law
The attorneys at NRC Law handle cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning no legal fees are charged unless compensation is recovered for your family.
You can learn more about our services and client-centered approach on our Services page, or visit our About Us page to read more about Ryan Nelson and Clayton Christenson’s extensive experience in injury and wrongful death law.
A Message to the Community
This heartbreaking loss on Highway 198 is a painful reminder of how quickly lives can change. The attorneys and staff at Nelson, Rozier & Christenson extend their deepest condolences to the families and loved ones affected by this tragedy.
If you or someone you know has suffered the loss of a family member in a crash, the NRC Law team is here to help. Our attorneys are based in Visalia, proudly serving Tulare County, Hanford, Porterville, Lemoore, and the surrounding Central Valley communities.
For a free and confidential consultation, call (559) 713-0159 or visit www.nrclaw.com.