Evan Reed, 30, of Selma Died in Fresno County Motorcycle Accident With Garbage Truck by Temperance Avenue and Clemenceau Avenue
FRESNO COUNTY, CALIFORNIA (February 26, 2026) – A 30-year-old motorcyclist identified as Evan Reed has tragically died in a Fresno County garbage truck accident by Temperance Avenue and Clemenceau Avenue.
Fresno County officials are saying that the collision took place around 12:55 p.m. on February 23. The refuse truck was traveling northbound on Temperance Avenue when it began to make a left turn into the path of a motorcyclist.
That truck collided with Evan Reed at the intersection. Paramedics were called to the scene to help the victim.
Despite extensive medical efforts, Evan Reed was beyond medical aid and pronounced dead at the scene. It remains unclear if the driver of the garbage truck will face any citations for the fatal collision.
A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability for Fresno County Semi-Truck Accidents
Garbage truck drivers are required to obtain a commercial license and are expected to operate their vehicles with a great deal of care to avoid causing accidents. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 21801, the driver of any vehicle intending to turn left on a roadway or to complete a U-turn on a highway must first yield the right-of-way to all vehicles that are traveling from the opposite direction that are close enough to constitute an immediate hazard. There are multiple factors that can contribute to any left-turn collision.
- Blind Spots: Garbage trucks and other commercial vehicles tend to have very large blind spots. When truck drivers fail to check these blind spots, they’re more likely to pull into the path of motorcycles and other vehicles.
- Fatigue: Truck drivers are substantially more likely to make critical errors when they are fatigued. Despite this, they are often pushed to complete their routes as quickly and efficiently as possible at all times of the night and day.
- Obstructions: A traffic intersection may have an obstructed line of sight due to overgrown foliage or nearby buildings. This can make it more difficult for drivers to see oncoming vehicles.
- Inexperience: Younger truck drivers are substantially more likely to be involved in serious injury collisions. This is why it is so important that truck companies take the time to properly train all of their drivers.
If a garbage truck driver makes an unprotected left turn into the path of a motorcyclist or other vehicle, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. Liability for a truck accident could extend beyond any individual garbage truck driver deemed to be at fault. The company that that driver was working for could also be liable. Under California negligence law, employers can be vicariously liable for the wrongful actions of their workers who were operating within the course and scope of their job duties.
Steps to Take After California Garbage Truck Accidents
Garbage trucks can weigh tens of thousands of pounds and can be extremely dangerous even at lower speeds. Motorcyclists and pedestrians are particularly vulnerable. According to the National Safety Council, “Although motorcycles make up only 3% of all registered vehicles and 0.6% of all vehicle miles traveled in the United States, motorcyclists accounted for 15.5% of all traffic fatalities and 3.4% of all injuries in 2023.” Several steps should be taken after any garbage truck accident with a motorcycle.
- Medical Records: All medical records related to the incident should be collected and preserved. They can offer great insights into how an accident took place.
- Surveillance: Any surveillance footage that may have captured the collision should be sought. However, even in the absence of surveillance footage, photos can be extremely useful.
- Work Records: When a garbage truck driver is involved in a crash, all of the work records related to that trip should be reviewed.
- Independent Review: The family of any garbage truck driver that died in a collision should consider all of their legal options with a team experienced in accident reconstruction and negligence claims.
Garbage truck accidents are often highly complex events. There may be multiple liable parties and several different factors at play. The factors that contribute to any crash could take place hours, days, or even weeks beforehand. Unfortunately, garbage truck companies and their insurance providers will almost never accept responsibility if their drivers act negligently and hit someone. This is why it is so important that these accidents are reviewed by an independent party.
Investigating California Garbage Truck Accidents
We at Carrazco Law extend our deepest condolences to the family of Evan Reed. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to the California Highway Patrol. This was a preventable tragedy that should not have taken place. Several questions still need to be answered. What was the speed of the garbage truck driver before the crash? What is the safety record of the driver?
Do you need more information about a Fresno County garbage truck accident? Our team of truck accident investigators is here for you. We are committed to helping victims understand their rights and holding garbage truck companies fully accountable for their illegal conduct. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any particular incident, we are here to serve your needs. You are always welcome to reach out to us anytime at (800) 541-3244.
