Audrain County, Missouri (October 23, 2025) — A 30-year-old Jefferson City man was critically injured Thursday evening after a semi-truck failed to yield and struck his motorcycle at a rural intersection in Audrain County, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP).
Incident Details: The crash occurred around 5:18 p.m. on Highway K near County Road 565. MSHP investigators reported that the motorcyclist was traveling eastbound on a 2025 Kawasaki Vulcan when a southbound tractor-trailer entered the intersection without yielding at a stop sign. The semi crossed into the motorcyclist’s path and struck the side of the bike, causing it to overturn and slide beneath the truck.
Emergency personnel arrived at the scene and transported the rider to University Hospital with critical injuries. Officials noted that the motorcyclist had been wearing a helmet at the time of the collision, while the truck driver, who escaped injury, was not wearing a seatbelt.
Investigation: Troopers with the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Troop F are investigating the circumstances of the crash. Preliminary findings suggest a clear right-of-way violation at a controlled intersection, a leading cause of serious collisions in rural Missouri. Investigators will review factors such as driver inattention, line-of-sight obstructions, and the semi’s speed and braking distance to determine whether negligence or improper judgment contributed.
Because the crash involved a commercial vehicle, the truck’s logbooks, maintenance records, and dash or cab cameras may also be examined to identify regulatory violations. Compliance with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) standards governing driver fatigue and operational safety could be key to establishing liability.
Legal Considerations: Due to the size and weight disparity between motorcycles and large trucks, collisions between them are often catastrophic. If the investigation confirms that the semi driver failed to yield as required by law, the driver and the trucking company could face civil liability for the motorcyclist’s injuries.
The legal process would likely involve a thorough review of accident reports, witness statements, vehicle damage, and potentially reconstruction analysis to determine fault and definitively establish the extent of negligence.
In Missouri, victims of such crashes may pursue a motorcycle accident claim to recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term rehabilitation. When a commercial carrier is involved, claims may also extend to the company’s safety practices, driver supervision, and equipment maintenance. Even when the rider is wearing proper safety gear, as in this case, the consequences of an impact with a tractor-trailer can be life-altering.
My thoughts are with the injured motorcyclist and his loved ones as he continues to receive medical care.
Source: KRCG-TV