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King Co., WA (August 14, 2026) – One motorcycle passenger was seriously injured on Friday morning, August 14, in a collision involving a semi-truck on State Route 18 west of the Tiger Mountain Summit. The crash was reported at approximately 8:45 a.m.
The vehicles were traveling in the eastbound lanes when witnesses reported that the semi-truck forced the motorcycle into a barrier. The motorcycle passenger suffered serious injuries.
All lanes were initially blocked. Westbound traffic resumed a short time later, while the eastbound lanes reopened at approximately 10:00 a.m. The cause of the collision remains under investigation.
We hope the injured passenger makes a full recovery.
Why Can Barrier Impacts Cause Serious Motorcycle Injuries?
A motorcycle provides little protection when a rider or passenger is pushed toward a rigid roadside barrier. Contact can expose the body directly to both the barrier and the pavement.
The sudden change in direction may also throw occupants from the motorcycle. The head, chest, spine, arms, and legs can all be vulnerable during this type of impact.
Travel speed, contact angle, protective gear, and the distance between the motorcycle and nearby traffic can influence injury severity. Medical teams may need to evaluate patients for fractures, brain trauma, internal bleeding, or other significant injuries.
