![[05-16-2025] Motorcyclist Killed, Driver Seriously Injured in Head-On Crash on Highway 59 Near Snelling Road](https://ak1.to//^evQY.webp)
A 72-year-old man was killed and another man seriously injured following a head-on collision involving a motorcycle and a pickup truck in Merced County on Friday morning, May 16, 2025.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the crash occurred just before 9:45 a.m. on Highway 59 at Snelling Road.
A 92-year-old Coulterville man was driving a 2017 Toyota pickup truck southbound on Highway 59 when he approached the intersection and began to make a left turn.
At the same time, a 72-year-old man from Hilmar was riding a 2000 Honda motorcycle northbound on the highway at approximately 55 miles per hour. For unknown reasons, the pickup driver made an unsafe left turn into the path of the oncoming motorcyclist, resulting in a head-on collision.
The motorcyclist was ejected and was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the pickup sustained major injuries and was airlifted to Doctors Medical Center in Modesto for treatment.
CHP confirmed that the motorcyclist was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. Alcohol and drugs do not appear to be contributing factors.
The incident remains under investigation.
Don’t Know What To Do After An Accident?
Your safety and rights depend on what you do next after an accident. Remember the following steps if you find yourself in one:
- Check yourself for any injuries.
- Stay on the scene, call 9-1-1, and wait for emergency responders.
- Move your vehicle to the road shoulder if safe; turn on hazard lights.
- Fully cooperate with law enforcement and stay until cleared to leave.
- Document the scene and injuries with photos and videos.
- Seek immediate medical attention.
- Contact your insurance company and find a personal injury lawyer for legal advice.
What A Lawyer Can Do For You
Many victims put off calling a lawyer even if they sustain injuries after an accident. However, lawyers can help you in many ways. They can provide you with police reports, CCTV footage, and witness statements to strengthen your case. Your attorney will also negotiate with insurance companies to get you fair compensation. The best part is that they will do all of these things for you at no upfront cost. So if you’re injured in an accident, hire a personal injury attorney to recover medical bills, car repair costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
