SAN JOSE, Santa Clara County, Calif., Oct. 22, 2026 — A motorcyclist suffered major injuries Wednesday night, October 21, in a crash on southbound US-101 near the Route 87 interchange in San Jose, according to the California Highway Patrol. The collision involved the motorcycle and a passenger car and shut down multiple lanes for hours.
The CHP said the crash was reported shortly before 7:45 p.m. on southbound 101 just north of 87, involving a motorcycle and what radio traffic described as a silver Infiniti G37. Another rider in the area reportedly stopped to help block traffic after the crash.
What began as a call for an ambulance was upgraded by the CHP to a major-injury collision within the hour. A tow truck was requested on an expedited basis for what the report described as a black sport bike with major rollover damage. Lanes 1 through 3 of southbound 101 were blocked for an extended period, backing up traffic, before crews reopened auxiliary lanes and eventually cleared the roadway overnight.
The investigation remains open. We wish the injured a complete recovery.
More on Crashes in San Jose, CA
The motorcycle crash was reported on US-101 in San Jose. Local crash statistics, the steps for getting a police report and nearby trauma centers are on our San Jose crash data and police report guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do motorcycle crashes tend to cause more serious injuries than other collisions?
Riders have no frame, airbags, or seatbelt to absorb impact, so a crash that might cause minor damage to a car can cause major injury or worse to a motorcyclist.
How do left-turning or lane-changing cars contribute to motorcycle crashes?
Drivers sometimes misjudge a motorcycle's speed or distance, or simply don't see it, before turning or merging, putting the bike directly in its path.
What can drivers do to spot motorcycles more reliably?
Checking mirrors and blind spots twice, using turn signals early, and giving extra space in heavy or merging traffic all help drivers notice motorcycles sooner.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Crash in San Jose, CA
Anyone involved in a motorcycle crash in San Jose should prioritize getting checked by paramedics at the scene, even for injuries that seem mild at first. Adrenaline can mask pain, and some injuries take hours to become apparent. Take photos if it's safe to do so, get contact information from any witnesses, and request a copy of the official report once it's filed. Follow up with a doctor in the days after, and keep records of any medical visits or missed work tied to the crash.