Motorcyclist Injured in Highway 101 Wreck Near Atherton

A motorcycle rider cruising between lanes of traffic on Highway 101 sustained severe leg injuries in a Tuesday evening crash in Novato, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Michael Samples, 56, of Santa Rosa was riding a 2012 Triumph motorcycle northbound on 101 just north of Atherton Avenue when he collided with a truck while both vehicles were going about 35 to 40 mph, according to a preliminary report.

Just ahead of Samples, Qi Qe White Elk Ross of Penngrove was in the far left lane in a 1988 Dodge Ram pickup truck and looking to merge to the right. Ross, 60, signaled and started changing lanes while Samples was still coming from behind between traffic, according to the CHP.

Samples attempted to pass the right side of the truck but his motorcycle struck the right rear side of it. Samples was ejected into a far right lane and his motorcycle came to a rest in the roadway, according to the CHP.

Novato Fire District paramedics transported Samples to a hospital in Santa Rosa for treatment of a compound fracture to his lower left leg and a major fracture to his left femur. Ross did not sustain any injuries, the CHP said.

The two right-hand lanes were closed for about 20 minutes while paramedics tended to Samples and the road was cleared of debris.

— Bay City News Service