Indiana Avenue and Jefferson Street: a bicyclist and the trailer of a big rig turning onto Indiana collided just south of the 91 Freeway
RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA (September 24, 2026): A 57-year-old Riverside man riding a bicycle was killed Thursday morning, September 24, when he and the trailer of a turning semi-truck collided at Indiana Avenue and Jefferson Street, just south of the Riverside (91) Freeway, according to the Riverside Police Department as reported by City News Service.
The crash happened at about 10:25 a.m. Riverside Police Detective Steve Espinosa said the big rig was turning from northbound Jefferson Street onto eastbound Indiana Avenue when the bicyclist and the trailer collided, City News Service reported. Paramedics reached the intersection within minutes and tried to revive the man, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The truck driver, whose name was not released, stopped immediately, was questioned by investigators and was not arrested, according to the report. Police have not said which direction the bicyclist was traveling or whether he was in a bike lane, and the exact sequence of the collision remains under investigation.
The Riverside Police Department’s Major Accident Investigation Team is handling the case. Anyone who saw the crash, or who has video from the area of Indiana Avenue and Jefferson Street around 10:25 a.m. Thursday, is asked to call investigators at 951-826-8723.
Liability for the Riverside Truck and Bicycle Crash
Under California Civil Code § 1714, every driver is generally responsible for injuries caused by a lack of ordinary care. Bicyclists have the same rights on the road as drivers under Vehicle Code § 21200, and a driver turning right generally must merge into a bike lane no more than 200 feet before the turn and yield to riders already there, under Vehicle Code § 21717. When a commercial truck is involved, the company that employs the driver can also be responsible under the doctrine of respondeat superior. The issues usually include:
- Right-turn visibility: Large trucks have wide turning paths and large blind spots along the passenger side. Whether the driver checked mirrors and signaled before turning onto Indiana Avenue is typically examined.
- The trailer path: Police said the bicyclist collided with the trailer rather than the cab, so the path the trailer took through the turn will likely be reconstructed.
- Truck data and cameras: Many commercial trucks carry dash cameras and telematics that record speed, braking and turn signal use in the seconds before a crash.
- Carrier records: The trucking company’s hiring, training and hours-of-service records may be reviewed, and federal safety rules apply to interstate carriers.
California’s comparative fault rule means responsibility can be shared, and a rider’s own conduct can reduce but does not automatically bar a claim. Surviving family members may bring a wrongful death claim under Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60.
Steps to Take After a Riverside Truck and Bicycle Crash
A person on a bicycle has almost no protection in a collision with a big rig. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, most people killed in crashes involving large trucks are outside the truck, including occupants of other vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists.
- Request the police report: Ask the Riverside Police Department for the traffic collision report prepared by its Major Accident Investigation Team once it is complete.
- Preserve truck data: Send a written preservation request to the trucking company for dashcam video, telematics and driver logs before they are overwritten.
- Look for video: Businesses near Indiana Avenue and Jefferson Street may have cameras facing the intersection.
- Keep the bicycle and gear: Do not repair or throw away the bicycle, helmet or clothing until they can be examined.
Wrongful death claims generally must be filed within two years under Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. If road design or a public agency is involved, a government claim is generally due within six months under Government Code § 911.2. Contact an attorney promptly to protect your rights.
Investigating the Riverside Truck and Bicycle Crash
We at Carrazco Law, A.P.C. extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the man who lost his life. Key questions remain: Did the truck driver see the bicyclist in the mirrors before starting the turn onto Indiana Avenue? And was there a bike lane or other marked space for riders on Jefferson Street at the intersection?
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car, truck, bicycle or pedestrian accident anywhere in California, our personal injury attorneys can help you understand your rights and legal options. Call us anytime at (800) 541-3244. Se Habla Español. Free consultation.
Published on September 28, 2026 by M.M., Carrazco Law, A.P.C. The incident described in this article occurred on September 24, 2026.
