Update (July 8, 2025 – 3:36 p.m.)
According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the suspect in this case has been identified. Investigators confirmed the driver as “Tim,” a suspected member of the Silver Barons Motorcycle Club based in Virginia City. He was last seen riding with at least five other motorcyclists, including two passengers.
At 1:33 p.m. on July 8, CHP announced that the man is facing multiple felony charges related to the accident and his conduct on July 5.
Around 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 5, there was a severe motorcycle accident on SR-89. Multiple witnesses saw a motorcyclist arguing and physically struggling with his female passenger in front of the Sierraville Service & County Store. Surveillance footage from the store shows the man buying alcohol with cash moments before the altercation.
Shortly afterward, the two got on a single motorcycle and sped off northbound on SR-89. Driving at high speed, the man lost control and veered off the road, crashing into a dirt embankment. Both riders were violently thrown from the bike.
Instead of helping the injured woman—who was still conscious—the motorcyclist fled the scene with the help of other riders, leaving his passenger unconscious and critically hurt in a ditch.
Thankfully, a passerby who witnessed the crash called 911. The woman was airlifted to a hospital in Reno, where she remains in critical condition with significant injuries.
If you have any Information, immediately contact the CHP – Quincy Area Office at (530) 283-1100.
Legal Consequences
The driver may face several criminal charges under California law, including:
- Hit and run causing serious injury (CVC §20001) – A felony punishable by imprisonment
- Gross negligence while operating a motorcycle, which may lead to enhanced charges if recklessness is proven
- Domestic violence if the pre-ride assault is confirmed (California Penal Code §273.5)
In addition to criminal charges, the victim or her family may pursue a personal injury lawsuit to seek compensation for:
- Medical and hospitalization expenses
- Emotional distress and trauma
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
If the motorcyclist is an active member of an organized club and other riders helped him flee or cover up the event, shared liability may also be investigated.
Who Can File a Claim?
In cases like this, the injured victim or their legal representatives (if incapacitated) have the right to file a personal injury claim. If the victim were to pass away, the family may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim under California Code of Civil Procedure §377.60.
A Message of Empathy and Responsibility
At Motorcyclist Attorney, we stand in deep solidarity with the woman affected in this tragic motorcycle accident on SR-89 and her loved ones. No one deserves to be left behind in such a vulnerable moment. We also extend our support to the broader biker community that values respect, safety, and solidarity on the road.
This incident serves as a harsh reminder of the importance of acting with compassion and responsibility at all times. As riders, we don’t just share the highway—we share a mutual code of respect. Abandoning a fellow rider is not only a legal offense; it’s a betrayal of that code.
Motorcyclist Attorney Has Your Back
In the chaos and trauma that follow a motorcycle crash, you don’t have to go through it alone. At Motorcyclist Attorney, we’re more than just lawyers—we’re part of your riding community. We know what it means to ride, fall… and rise again.
Our personal injury attorney can help you:
✅ Thoroughly investigate the crash using key evidence, footage, and eyewitness accounts
✅ File a civil lawsuit against the responsible driver and any third parties involved
✅ Deal with insurance companies that often try to downplay or deny your compensation
✅ Connect you with medical professionals who understand motorcycle-related injuries
✅ Demand full compensation for medical bills, lost income, emotional trauma, and more
✅ Represent you in court if necessary—with strength, skill, and commitment
We know life can change in an instant on two wheels. That’s why we fight to get you the medical care and compensation you deserve.
