RANDLE, WA (October 20, 2025) — A 23-year-old motorcyclist from Pennsylvania was hospitalized Sunday evening after being struck by a semi-truck on U.S. Highway 12 east of Randle, according to the Washington State Patrol.
Accident Details: The crash occurred at about 8:58 p.m. when Jordan N. Finkelstien of Pittsburgh was traveling east on a Honda XR250 motorcycle. Investigators said he began braking to come to a stop when a semi-truck behind him failed to slow in time and hit the motorcycle from the rear.
The truck driver, identified as 23-year-old Heredia M. Cesar of Calexico, California, was cited for following too closely. He was wearing a seatbelt and was not injured. Finkelstien, who wore a helmet but did not have the required motorcycle endorsement, was transported to Arbor Health Morton Hospital with injuries that were not disclosed.
The motorcycle was destroyed in the collision. The Washington State Patrol confirmed that impairment was not a factor. Traffic along the two-lane section of U.S. 12 was delayed as crews cleared the scene and towed both vehicles.
Investigation: The Washington State Patrol is continuing to review the incident, focusing on the truck’s following distance and braking response. Troopers are examining vehicle data and roadway markings to verify speed and spacing at the time of impact.
Authorities said that the crash underscores the need for extra caution when sharing rural highways with motorcycles, where sudden stops can leave little room for large vehicles to adjust. No further details about Finkelstien’s medical condition have been released.
Legal Considerations: Rear-end crashes between large trucks and motorcycles often lead investigators to assess driver attention, distance management, and reaction time. In this case, the citation for “following too close” suggests the truck driver may not have maintained a safe margin behind the motorcycle.
Investigators may also review whether road lighting, surface condition, or visibility influenced braking performance that night. For motorcyclists, lack of a proper endorsement can complicate liability findings and insurance claims, though it does not automatically determine fault.
Those injured in similar crashes may face weeks of recovery, medical bills, and loss of income while reports and insurance reviews proceed. Findings from this investigation could inform future driver training or enforcement on rural routes like U.S. 12.
We extend our best wishes to Jordan Finkelstien and hope for his full recovery.
Source: Yahoo News