Motorcycle Fatality on Highway 101: Ongoing Investigation

Fatal Motorcycle Crash on Highway 101 in San Jose; Investigation Continues

A tragic motorcycle collision on Highway 101 in San Jose on Monday night, November 10, 2025, resulted in the death of a 43-year-old rider from Gustine (Merced County). According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the motorcyclist was traveling southbound at approximately 8:45 p.m. when the motorcycle’s rear wheel began to fishtail, causing the bike to overturn. After coming to a stop on the roadway, the rider was fatally struck by a driver in a Kia. The Kia overturned in the aftermath of the impact, and its driver reportedly sustained minor injuries. Authorities have not yet determined why the motorcycle began to fishtail, and the investigation remains ongoing.

This crash underscores the heightened risks motorcyclists face on high-speed corridors like Highway 101. Even a brief loss of control or secondary impact can lead to catastrophic outcomes. As law enforcement continues to gather evidence, the circumstances of the incident will be closely reviewed to understand potential contributing factors and to clarify the sequence of events.

What We Know About the Collision

- Time and location: Southbound US-101 in San Jose around 8:45 p.m.
- Initial event: The motorcycle’s rear wheel began to fishtail, leading to an overturn.
- Secondary impact: The rider, who had come to a stop, was struck by a Kia.
- Injuries: The motorcyclist died at the scene; the Kia driver suffered minor injuries after the vehicle overturned.
- Status: CHP is investigating; the cause of the initial fishtailing remains unknown.

Fishtailing and Loss of Control: What Investigators May Consider

A motorcycle fishtail occurs when the rear tire loses traction and swings side-to-side. There are many possible reasons this can happen, and investigators typically consider multiple factors, including:

- Roadway conditions: Sand, gravel, oil, pooled water, and roadway grooves or seams can drastically reduce traction.
- Tire and mechanical issues: Worn or underinflated tires, brake imbalances, suspension problems, or a puncture can precipitate instability.
- Speed and maneuvering: Abrupt braking, swerving to avoid debris, or throttle changes at highway speeds can amplify rear-wheel movement.
- External hazards: Debris falling from other vehicles, poorly marked construction zones, or an unexpected lane encroachment by another driver may force sudden rider reactions.
- Environmental factors: Nighttime visibility, glare, or wet pavement can compound risk.

Because freeways often involve heavy traffic traveling at high speeds, a single loss-of-control event can quickly lead to secondary collisions. Night conditions may further reduce reaction time for other drivers as they approach a downed rider or disabled motorcycle.

Secondary Collisions on Freeways: Risks and Prevention

In high-speed zones, secondary impacts often cause the most severe injuries. Drivers who suddenly encounter a crash scene may have limited time to slow or change lanes. Best practices that help reduce secondary crashes include:

- Remaining alert and scanning far ahead to recognize hazards early.
- Maintaining safe following distances and avoiding distracted driving.
- Moving disabled vehicles to the shoulder when safely possible and activating hazard lights or flares.
- Reporting roadway debris or hazards promptly to authorities.

Steps To Take After a Motorcycle or Car Accident

If you are involved in a motorcycle or car collision, the actions you take in the moments and days that follow can make a significant difference:

- Call 911 right away: Request police and emergency medical services so injuries can be assessed and an official report can be created.
- Seek medical evaluation: Even if you feel “okay,” injuries like concussions, internal bleeding, or soft-tissue trauma can be delayed or subtle.
- Preserve the scene when safe: Photograph vehicle positions, skid marks, debris fields, damage, and roadway conditions. Note lighting, weather, and visibility.
- Collect information: Obtain names, phone numbers, license plates, insurance details, and any witness contact information.
- Avoid speculative statements: Provide factual information to police, but refrain from guessing about fault or causes until the facts are known.
- Notify your insurer promptly: Report the crash, but consider speaking with an attorney before providing recorded statements.
- Consult an attorney: Legal guidance can help protect your rights, preserve critical evidence, and navigate communications with insurers.

Your Legal Rights After a Motorcycle Collision in California

California applies a comparative negligence framework, which means responsibility for a crash can be apportioned among multiple parties. Even if a rider loses control initially, questions often remain about whether other drivers were speeding, distracted, following too closely, or failed to take reasonable measures to avoid a secondary impact. In fatal collisions, surviving family members may consider a wrongful death claim, which can address losses such as funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship.

This fatal motorcycle collision in San Jose is a sobering reminder of how vulnerable motorcyclists are on busy roadways. Even with proper gear and responsible riding, riders face tremendous risks when other drivers fail to remain attentive or cautious. As investigators work to determine the factors that led to this tragic loss of life, the victim’s family and loved ones are now left to cope with grief, unanswered questions, and the heavy emotional toll such crashes inflict on a community.

At Avian Law Group, we understand the devastating impact motorcycle fatalities have on families. Our team is committed to uncovering the truth, identifying all responsible parties, and pursuing the justice and compensation that surviving relatives are entitled to under California law. While nothing can replace a lost life, holding negligent drivers accountable can provide clarity, financial support, and a measure of closure during an incredibly painful time.

If your family has been affected by a fatal motorcycle crash, Avian Law Group is here to offer compassionate guidance, experienced legal representation, and unwavering support every step of the way.