Afghanistan Veteran Killed in Motorcycle Crash

A US Marine who had served two tours of duty in Afghanistan was killed in a collision with an automobile Saturday in Chatsworth.

According to local police reports and the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office, 27 year old Jesse Wilkes was killed when a car cut in front of his motorcycle as he passed through an intersection close to his home, knocking him to the ground at speed. He was pronounced dead at the scene by responding paramedics.

“Jesse was heading eastbound on Devonshire and he was going the speed limit, and a woman decided to a make a left and turn in front of him. He misjudged how much time she had. He skidded and hit her,” said Jesse’s mother, Kimber Wilkes, who added that the accident did not yet seem real. His step-father Bill Lassetter also added that he would miss everything about the man he considered to be his son. Jesse had been a Marine reservist twice sent to Afghanistan on active duty.

Following the accident, a candlelight vigil was held by friends and family at the scene of the accident to honor the memory of the fallen Marine. “I can’t thank all these people who have put this together for us. I can’t that them enough, they’re angels,” said Kimber. “I can’t really put into words what he’s done for me… What he’s done for everyone,” said Cheyenne Thompson, who served with Jesse and was a member of the same motorcycle riding club. “I can’t define it.”

To prevent accidents like this from occurring again, the Wilkes family is now asking the city of Chatsworth to install a left-hand turn signal to the intersection. “It didn’t need to happen,” says Jesse’s mother. And I don’t want to see it happen to anyone else. That’s why we’re working so hard to make some changes.”

If you or someone you know has been hurt in a motorcycle accident such as this, you should seek help. Depending on the circumstances that led to your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation to help you cover the costs of your recovery. To ensure that you receive the full amount that you are rightfully owed, you should enlist the services of an experienced Los Angeles car accident lawyer who can guide you through the complicated legal process.

At AA Accident Attorneys, we will work hard to get you back onto your feet quickly. We understand the dangers you face on California’s crowded and dangerous roads, both as skilled legal professionals and as neighbors who share the same roads and live in the same communities. As always, we will charge you nothing for our services until your case is won. Call us today for a free evaluation and to learn what a car accident lawyer can do for you!

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