A motorcyclist was rushed to the hospital after a collision with a car late Monday night in Selma. Authorities say the rider was thrown from his bike after getting hit from behind.
ABC30-TV covered the accident and reported it took place in the southbound lanes of Highway 99 just before midnight near Floral Avenue.
The California Highway Patrol says the man on the motorcycle was rear-ended by a silver Nissan car. The impact sent the victim to the ground. The man was taken to Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno with major injuries. His current condition has not been released.
The motorcycle involved remained in the lanes and was struck by four other vehicles passing by, including a semi-truck. Those vehicles suffered property damage, but there were no further injuries reported.
Highway 99 southbound remained closed for a short time while officers cleared the scene and investigated the accident. The CHP has not said what caused the collision.
Hazards for Motorcyclists on Highway 99 in Fresno County
Motorcyclists can battle wind, rain, and frigid temperatures, but by far the biggest danger they face is the carelessness of drivers in cars, SUVs, and trucks. The hazards are always present, especially on the long, straight state highways crisscrossing Central Valley.
Drivers may not notice their speeds slowing inching upward. They may also be lulled into a state of inattention. Distracted and reckless driving leads to accidents across Fresno County every year, and unfortunately, it’s the defenseless motorcyclists who face the most risk.
The California Highway Patrol reports that 2020 only continued the trend in these tragic incidents. 2019 saw 131 accidents involving motorcycles recorded across Fresno County. In 2020 that number jumped to 173 total collisions reported.
2020 also saw 15 people tragically lose their lives in accidents involving motorcycles. Those collisions left another 184 people to recover from injuries. Almost 23% of the motorcycle accidents in 2020 occurred on the state highways running through Fresno County.
With better driver education to alert motorists to pay more attention to others using the road, more lives can be saved and more injuries prevented. Of course, illuminating the reckless choices drivers are making each year on our roads can also limit tragic accidents involving riders.
Finding Support for Victims After Fresno County Motorcycle Accidents
After a motorcycle accident, victims and their families should contact a local motorcycle accident lawyer. Victims should be able to depend on at-fault drivers and their car insurance companies to provide support throughout the recovery process. Sadly, victims are often forced to demand what’s fair as they face expensive medical bills and lose more and more time from their place of work.
If you or a family member is ever involved in a serious crash, be sure to speak to a personal injury attorney serving Fresno County about your options. You can visit our page about motorcycle accidents in Selma and Fresno County for more information.
