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STUDIO CITY, Los Angeles County, CA, Sept. 22, 2026 — A motorcyclist was hurt Monday morning, September 21, in a crash with a car on southbound US-101 at Whitsett Avenue in Studio City, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The California Highway Patrol said a caller reported a gray Tesla and a motorcycle involved in a collision on the right shoulder of the freeway. A dispatch log entry described the crash as a motorcycle versus a black sedan blocking the slow lane, a discrepancy in vehicle description that has not been resolved. The rider reportedly was able to move to the right shoulder after the crash and was found sitting against a wall, hurt, before medical personnel arrived.
The motorcycle blocked the number three lane for a period after the crash, CHP logs show. Officers requested a tow truck to clear the scene, and the bike was later moved to the shoulder so lanes could reopen. Emergency crews requested guidance on where fire personnel should transport the injured rider, according to the log, though the destination was not confirmed in the source material.
No other injuries were reported. The extent of the rider's injuries has not been released. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, and the California Highway Patrol has not said whether either driver will face citations.
We hope those who were hurt recover fully and quickly.
What Do Numbers Tell About Motorcycle Crashes?
Many people assume motorcycle crashes and deaths are climbing every year as more riders take to the road. The numbers do not support that as a steady trend. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, motorcycle fatalities decreased from 649 in 2022 to 583 in 2023.
That single-year drop does not mean motorcycle riding has become safe, and it does not tell us why the number fell in a given year. Fatality counts move up and down based on factors like traffic volume, weather, enforcement patterns, and rider behavior, so one year's decline is not proof of a lasting shift.
The more useful comparison is against other vehicle types over time, not year-to-year swings in raw counts. Riders remain far more exposed in a crash than someone inside a car, regardless of whether the yearly total ticks up or down.
Frequently Asked Questions
What gear actually helps reduce injury for a rider?
A DOT-approved helmet, a reinforced jacket, gloves, and over-the-ankle boots all help absorb impact and reduce road rash and fracture risk. None of it prevents a crash, but it can reduce the severity of injuries.
What typically causes motorcycle crashes involving another vehicle?
Common factors include a car changing lanes without seeing the rider, a driver misjudging the motorcycle's speed or distance, and turning movements where the car fails to yield.
Why do motorcycle crashes tend to cause more serious injuries than car crashes?
A motorcycle offers no frame, airbags, or seatbelt to absorb a collision. Riders are often thrown from the bike or into the pavement, so even lower-speed crashes can cause serious injury.
How do left-turning vehicles end up colliding with motorcycles?
A driver turning left across traffic may not see an oncoming motorcycle, especially if it is partly hidden by glare, another vehicle, or the driver's own blind spot, resulting in a collision as the car crosses the rider's path.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Studio City, CA
If you're involved in a motorcycle crash, try to move to a safe spot away from moving traffic if you're able to. Call 911 so medical help and law enforcement can respond, even if injuries seem minor at first, since some injuries like fractures or internal trauma aren't obvious right away. Get checked out by a medical professional as soon as possible. If you can, note details like the time, location, and any other vehicles involved, and get contact information from witnesses. Studio City sits along a busy stretch of freeway, so expect a CHP report to follow, and keep a copy for your records.
