A motorcyclist was hospitalized with a broken leg following a collision with a big rig on Interstate 5 in Modesto. The crash occurred during morning commute hours and was one of two separate incidents that drew emergency response from the California Highway Patrol (CHP) in the same area.
Crash Details and Emergency Response
According to the California Highway Patrol, officers responded to reports of two crashes just after 7 a.m. on northbound I-5, north of Sperry Avenue. One of these incidents involved a collision between a motorcycle and a commercial big rig. The motorcyclist sustained serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital, where medical professionals diagnosed a broken leg.
Dangers of Motorcycle-Truck Collisions
The significant size and weight disparity make collisions between motorcycles and large commercial vehicles like big rigs dangerous. Motorcyclists have minimal physical protection compared to occupants of passenger vehicles, making them especially vulnerable in crashes with commercial trucks that can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded.
The physics of these collisions is especially devastating for motorcyclists. The massive weight differential means that even relatively low-speed impacts can generate tremendous force, leading to catastrophic injuries.
Additionally, the height disparity between motorcycles and commercial vehicles creates unique hazards, as motorcyclists risk being pulled under the trailer in side-impact scenarios—a particularly deadly circumstance known as an underride accident. The stopping distance required for fully loaded commercial trucks also contributes to collision risk.
Big rigs may need up to 40% more roadway to come to a complete stop compared to passenger vehicles, often surprising motorcyclists who may not anticipate this difference when riding near commercial traffic.
These types of accidents often result in severe injuries for motorcyclists, including:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Road rash and soft tissue injuries
- Internal organ damage
Common Causes of Motorcycle-Truck Accidents
Several factors commonly contribute to collisions between motorcycles and commercial vehicles:
Visibility Issues
Big rig drivers have significant blind spots—areas around their vehicle where smaller vehicles, especially motorcycles, can be completely invisible. These “no-zones” exist on all four sides of a commercial truck and frequently contribute to truck-motorcycle collisions.
Lane Changes and Merging
Many motorcycle-truck accidents occur during lane changes or merging maneuvers, particularly on busy highways like I-5. Motorcycles’ smaller profile makes them easier to miss during quick visual checks.
Driver Fatigue
Commercial drivers often work long hours, and fatigue can significantly impair reaction time and decision-making abilities.
Improper Training and Experience Gaps
A critical yet often overlooked factor in motorcycle-truck collisions is inadequate training among commercial drivers. Many trucking companies face pressure to fill driver shortages quickly, sometimes resulting in operators not receiving comprehensive instruction on sharing the road with motorcycles.
This training deficit becomes especially dangerous during challenging driving conditions or complex traffic scenarios. Similarly, less experienced motorcyclists may not fully understand the unique handling characteristics of large commercial vehicles, including their wide turning radius and considerable momentum.
This knowledge gap creates a dangerous combination when both parties lack a complete understanding of each other’s vehicle limitations and behavioral patterns on shared roadways.
Legal Considerations for Injured Motorcyclists
When motorcyclists are injured in collisions with commercial vehicles, several critical legal considerations come into play:
Determining Liability
Establishing who was at fault in a motorcycle-truck collision involves investigating many factors, including:
- Driver actions and potential negligence
- Compliance with traffic laws and regulations
- Road and weather conditions
- Vehicle maintenance records
- Hours of service logs for commercial drivers
Insurance Complexities
Commercial vehicle accidents typically involve multiple insurance policies, including the trucking company’s commercial policy, the driver’s insurance, and potentially other parties’ coverage.
Compensation for Injuries
Injured motorcyclists may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses (immediate and ongoing)
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Rehabilitation costs
Statute of Limitations and Preservation of Evidence
Taking timely legal action is critical in motorcycle-truck accident cases. California maintains a strict two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, meaning injured motorcyclists must file within this timeframe or risk losing their right to compensation entirely.
Additionally, evidence crucial to establishing liability, such as electronic logging device data, truck maintenance records, and video footage, may be legally destroyed or overwritten after specific periods unless preservation orders are issued.
Commercial carriers often have rapid-response teams that begin collecting evidence immediately after accidents, potentially creating an information imbalance that disadvantages injured riders who don’t have legal representation securing these critical elements from the accident’s earliest moments.
Safety Tips for Motorcyclists Sharing the Road with Big Rigs
To reduce the risk of collisions with commercial vehicles, motorcyclists can take several preventative measures:
- Avoid riding in a truck’s blind spots
- Maintain a safe following distance
- Use appropriate signals when changing lanes
- Wear high-visibility clothing and proper safety gear
- Stay alert to truck movements, especially during merging or lane changes
Strategic Positioning and Defensive Anticipation
Advanced motorcycle safety around commercial vehicles requires mastering strategic road positioning and cultivating heightened situational awareness. Riders should adopt a dominant lane position that maximizes visibility to truck drivers while providing escape routes should emergency maneuvers become necessary.
During traffic slowdowns, motorcyclists should resist lane-splitting between commercial vehicles and instead position themselves where side mirrors reflect their presence to drivers.
Additionally, understanding the behavioral patterns of commercial vehicles, such as their tendency to swing wide during right turns or drift in strong crosswinds, allows motorcyclists to anticipate potential hazards before they develop. This proactive approach and a comprehensive understanding of commercial vehicle limitations form the foundation of an effective defensive riding strategy that significantly reduces collision risk in shared traffic environments.
When to Seek Legal Assistance
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident involving a commercial vehicle, consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney is crucial. These cases often involve complex liability issues, multiple insurance companies, and potentially serious injuries requiring long-term care.
An attorney specializing in motorcycle accidents can help navigate the legal process, negotiate with insurance companies, and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
The Critical First 72 Hours
The immediate aftermath of a motorcycle-truck collision represents a critical window for preserving your legal rights. Within the first 72 hours, trucking companies typically deploy investigative teams to the accident scene, interview witnesses, and begin building their defense.
During this period, you may face pressure from insurance adjusters seeking recorded statements or offering quick settlements that rarely account for long-term medical needs or future complications. Securing legal representation during this crucial timeframe helps level the playing field by ensuring proper documentation of the accident scene, preservation of electronic data from the truck’s black box, and protection from potentially damaging statements to insurance representatives.
An attorney can also immediately coordinate with medical specialists to document the full extent of your injuries, including those that may not be immediately apparent but could significantly impact your long-term recovery and financial security.
Understanding Motorcycle Accident Settlement Calculators
Motorcycle accident settlement calculators serve as preliminary assessment tools that help injured riders estimate potential compensation values based on various case factors. These digital tools typically incorporate key variables such as medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and projected future costs related to ongoing treatment or disability.
While these calculators provide helpful baseline figures, they cannot fully account for the nuanced elements that significantly impact settlement values, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, or reduced quality of life, factors often representing the most significant portion of motorcycle accident settlements. The primary benefit of these calculators lies in establishing realistic expectations and financial planning while recovering from injuries.
However, they should be viewed as starting points rather than definitive valuations, as they cannot replace the personalized assessment from an experienced attorney who understands how local courts typically value subjective damages, the tendencies of specific insurance carriers in motorcycle cases, and the unique circumstances that might substantially increase or decrease the ultimate settlement value of your particular claim. Call us now at +1 415-986-4777 to talk to the experts.
Moving Forward
“As a motorcycle accident attorney who’s represented countless riders over the decades, I understand the physical and emotional trauma you’re experiencing after a collision with a commercial vehicle. Your current focus should be healing, not wrestling with insurance adjusters who rarely have your best interests at heart. Remember that the trucking company already has teams of lawyers working to minimize their liability. Don’t face this complex legal battle alone—especially when the stakes include your medical care, financial security, and future quality of life. A timely consultation with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney can make all the difference in protecting your rights and securing the compensation you deserve. Your recovery journey is challenging enough without the added burden of navigating the legal system on your own.”- Andy Gillin, GJEL Accident Attorney
The recent Modesto collision between a motorcyclist and a big rig highlights the grave dangers motorcyclists face when sharing the road with commercial vehicles. While investigations into this incident continue, the accident is an essential reminder of the need for vigilance, safety awareness, and proper precautions for all road users.
Injured in a motorcycle-truck collision? At GJEL Accident Attorneys, we understand you focus on recovery, not legal fees. That’s why we work exclusively on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our experienced team has recovered millions for injured motorcyclists, and we’ll fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Don’t let financial concerns prevent you from getting skilled legal representation during this critical time. Contact GJEL today for a free, no-obligation consultation and let us handle the legal battle while you concentrate on healing.
Resources and Important Contacts
If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident with a commercial vehicle in Modesto, these official resources can provide immediate assistance and important information:
Law Enforcement and Accident Reports
- California Highway Patrol (CHP) – Modesto Area Office
Phone: (209) 545-7440
Address: 4030 Kiernan Avenue, Modesto, CA 95356
Website: www.chp.ca.gov/find-an-office/central-division/offices/(245)-modesto
For accident reports, traffic information, and official crash investigations - Modesto Police Department
Non-Emergency: (209) 552-2470
Emergency: 911
Address: 600 10th Street, Modesto, CA 95354
Website: www.modestopd.com
For incidents within Modesto city limits
Traffic Information and Road Conditions
- Caltrans District 10 (Modesto/Stanislaus County)
Phone: (209) 948-7543
Website: dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-10
For current I-5 conditions, construction updates, and traffic alerts - Stanislaus County Public Works
Phone: (209) 525-4130
Website: www.stancounty.com/publicworks
For county road information and traffic safety concerns
Remember to contact these agencies promptly after an accident to ensure proper documentation and investigation of your case. Official reports from these authorities often form a critical foundation for motorcycle accident claims involving commercial vehicles.
Andy Gillin received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of California at Berkeley and his law degree from the University of Chicago. He is the managing partner of GJEL Accident Attorneys and has written and lectured in the field of plaintiffs’ personal injury law for numerous organizations. Since 1972 he has been helping seriously injured victims throughout northern California fight & win their personal injury cases. Andy is one of the top awarded & recognized wrongful death lawyers in northern California.