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UNIVERSITY PARK, Los Angeles County, CA, Sept. 25, 2026 — A motorcyclist was injured Thursday afternoon, September 24, in a multi-vehicle crash on southbound I-110 at West Adams Boulevard, according to the California Highway Patrol. The collision involved a pickup truck, a sedan, a Prius and the motorcycle, and left the rider down in a traffic lane before he was reported up and walking.
The crash was first reported shortly after 2 p.m., when dispatch logs described a white pickup truck colliding with the motorcycle and the rider going down in the number 2 lane, the CHP said. Within minutes, additional reports described a white Ford F-150 involved with three other vehicles and the motorcycle, all in general population lanes of the freeway. Los Angeles Fire Department units were sent to the scene.
The motorcyclist was later reported to be up and out of the lanes of traffic, though hurt, according to the incident log. The extent of his injuries has not been released. It is unclear whether anyone in the other vehicles was hurt.
California Highway Patrol Freeway Service Patrol units responded to help manage traffic, and a tow rotation was requested to remove the motorcycle from the roadway. One lane on the main line of the freeway was reported blocked for a time as crews worked the scene. The Freeway Service Patrol closed out its portion of the incident by about 3 p.m., CHP records show.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation. No further details on the drivers or the rider have been released.
Our thoughts are with those who were injured, and we wish them a full recovery.
How Misconceptions Affect the Outcome of Multi-Vehicle Motorcycle Crashes
Many drivers assume that when a motorcyclist goes down in a several-vehicle crash, gear or riding skill mainly decides whether the injuries are serious. Helmet use is one factor, but it is not the only one, and the data suggests it plays a narrow role.
According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, 33 motorcyclists who died were not wearing helmets in 2023. That is a real number, but it also means a large share of riders killed that year were wearing helmets. Speed, following distance, lane position and how quickly other drivers spot a motorcycle in traffic all factor into outcomes just as much as what a rider has on.
There is no single choice, by the rider or by the drivers around him, fully predicts what happens once multiple vehicles collide on a crowded freeway.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should a rider do immediately after a motorcycle crash?
Move to a safe area if possible, call 911, and avoid removing a helmet unless medical staff advise it. Get checked by paramedics even if injuries seem minor, since adrenaline can mask pain from bruising or internal injury.
Are motorcycle crashes more likely at intersections and freeway merges?
Yes. Many motorcycle collisions happen where vehicles change lanes, merge or cross paths, since drivers often have a harder time judging a motorcycle's speed and distance than they do with larger vehicles.
Does road surface affect how a motorcycle crash unfolds?
Yes. Uneven pavement, debris and painted lane markings can reduce tire grip, and a rider caught in traffic with little room to react has less margin than a driver in an enclosed vehicle.
What gear actually reduces injury for riders?
A DOT-approved helmet, abrasion-resistant jackets and pants, gloves and over-the-ankle boots all lower the odds of serious injury in a fall or collision, though none can fully prevent injury in a high-speed multi-vehicle crash.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Crash in University Park, California
Anyone involved in or witnessing a motorcycle crash in University Park should call 911 right away and stay clear of moving traffic while waiting for help. If you were the rider or a passenger, seek a medical evaluation even if you're walking and talking, since some injuries take hours to show symptoms.
Write down what you remember as soon as you can: lane position, other vehicles involved, and anything about how the crash started. If CHP or local police respond, ask for the report number so you can follow up later. Photos of the scene, vehicle positions and any visible damage can help clarify what happened once the investigation moves forward.
