Deadly Motorcycle Crash in Livermore Intersection

Fatal Motorcycle Collision in Livermore: Left-Turn Crash at Paseo Laguna Seco and Portola Avenue Claims Life of 47-Year-Old Rider

Early-Morning Crash on October 27, 2025 Under Investigation

A 47-year-old motorcyclist, identified by the coroner’s bureau as Richard S. Jr., was tragically killed in a collision in Livermore early Monday morning, October 27, 2025. According to the Livermore Police Department, the crash occurred around 3:30 a.m. at the intersection of Paseo Laguna Seco and Portola Avenue. Preliminary findings indicate that a 61-year-old Livermore resident driving southbound on Paseo Laguna Seco made a left turn onto Portola Avenue when the motorcycle, traveling westbound on Portola Avenue, collided with the vehicle within the intersection.

Richard was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the vehicle remained and cooperated with investigators. The investigation remains active, and authorities have not yet confirmed the decedent’s place of residence or released further details about potential contributing factors.

What We Know So Far

- Time and location: Approximately 3:30 a.m. at Paseo Laguna Seco and Portola Avenue in Livermore.
- Vehicles involved: Passenger vehicle making a left turn; motorcycle traveling straight through the intersection.
- Preliminary sequence: Vehicle turned left; motorcycle proceeding westbound collided with the vehicle in the intersection.
- Status: Motorcyclist deceased at the scene; driver stayed and cooperated. Investigation ongoing.

Why Left-Turn and Intersection Crashes Are So Dangerous

Left-turn collisions at intersections are among the most common and severe types of crashes involving motorcyclists. A frequent pattern occurs when a driver turning left fails to yield the right-of-way to an oncoming rider. Under California Vehicle Code section 21801, drivers turning left must yield to oncoming traffic that is close enough to pose a hazard. Because motorcycles have a narrower profile and can be harder to detect, misjudging a motorcyclist’s distance or speed is a known risk factor.

National and state data underscore the dangers:

- Motorcyclists face a far higher risk of fatal injury per mile traveled compared to occupants in passenger vehicles.
- Recent federal estimates show that motorcycles, though a small fraction of registered vehicles, account for a disproportionate share of traffic fatalities.
- Many fatal motorcycle collisions occur at intersections or involve left-turning vehicles.

These trends highlight why careful left-turning, scanning for smaller road users, and defensive riding are essential—especially during low-light hours such as the early morning.

What Investigators Typically Examine After a Serious Collision

When a fatal collision occurs, law enforcement and reconstruction experts typically analyze multiple factors to determine what happened. In incidents like this one, investigators may evaluate:

- Traffic control and signal timing: Whether signals were functioning properly, and the timing of green, yellow, and red phases.
- Visibility and lighting: Street lighting, weather, darkness at 3:30 a.m., headlight use, and potential glare.
- Right-of-way compliance: Whether the turning vehicle yielded appropriately under the law.
- Speed and distance: Estimates using skid marks, debris fields, vehicle damage, and event data recorders (EDRs) if available.
- Roadway and intersection design: Sight lines, signage, pavement condition, and any obstructions.
- Driver and rider factors: Distraction, impairment, fatigue, and compliance with licensing and equipment rules (for example, helmet compliance for riders).
- Witness statements and digital evidence: Accounts from witnesses, dashcam footage, and nearby surveillance video.

Losing a loved one in a motorcycle accident is a devastating and life-altering tragedy. At Avian Law Group, we understand the pain, grief, and unanswered questions families face after such a loss. Our mission is to provide compassionate support while helping families pursue justice and hold negligent parties accountable.

Our experienced attorneys work tirelessly to investigate every aspect of the crash, uncover the responsible parties, and fight for the compensation families need for funeral expenses, financial security, and peace of mind. Beyond legal advocacy, we are committed to helping families navigate this difficult time with guidance and care.

If you have lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident, contact Avian Law Group today. We are here to provide compassionate support, skilled legal representation, and relentless advocacy on your behalf.