Motorcycle and Semi Truck Accident Reconstruction - A Case Study of Human Factors and Avoidability Analysis

This accident reconstruction is an actual case that went to trial in the State of Oregon. The motorcyclist (plaintiff) brought suit against the truck driver's employer (defendant). At the request of our client, the names of the individuals involved and the city or county, will not be referred to. Talbott Associates, Inc. were retained to do an accident reconstruction, including speeds, collision analysis and avoidability analysis. At the time of trial we proviced expert testimony.

The vehicles involved were a 1982 Yamaha 750 motorcycle and a 1984 International cab over truck pulling a flat bed trailer. The truck was moving slowly eastbound along a two lane road, speed limit 45 mph, looking for a delivery address. The truck was turning left into an industrial area. The motorcycle was traveling in the opposite direction and had just passed another vehicle. The motorcycle collided with the truck and the motorcycle rider was fatally injured at the scene.