Garden City, KS (August 16, 2025) – On Saturday afternoon, August 16, a two-vehicle crash occurred on U.S. Highway 83 near mile marker 68, just over a mile south of U.S. 50 in Finney County. The accident was reported around 3:54 p.m. after a southbound motorcycle collided with a pickup truck during a U-turn maneuver. One person was seriously injured in the crash.
According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, a 2018 Harley Davidson motorcycle, driven by 72-year-old Kenneth Poland of Derby, Kansas, had pulled onto the shoulder of the roadway and attempted to make a U-turn. At the same time, a southbound 2006 GMC Sierra, driven by 29-year-old Hope Horinek of Sublette, attempted to avoid a collision by braking and steering left. Despite these efforts, the motorcycle struck the pickup on the northbound fog line. The motorcycle overturned and came to rest on its side in the southbound lane, while the pickup left the roadway and came to a stop in the east ditch. Poland sustained suspected serious injuries and was transported to St. Catherine Hospital in Garden City. Horinek and her two passengers, identified as 15-year-old Trelawney Horinek and 6-year-old Naomi Oarth, were uninjured.
Our thoughts are with Mr. Poland and his loved ones, and we wish him a full and speedy recovery.
Motorcycle Accidents in Kansas
Motorcycle riders face a higher risk of severe injury compared to drivers of passenger vehicles due to their lack of external protection. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that motorcyclists are about 24 times more likely to die in a crash than occupants of passenger cars. In Kansas, motorcycle crashes often result in serious or life-threatening injuries, even when safety gear is used. U-turn and lane-changing maneuvers can be especially dangerous for riders when larger vehicles are involved, as motorcycles are less visible and more vulnerable to forceful impacts.
Victims of motorcycle crashes often face costly medical bills, lengthy recoveries, and lost income. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident caused by another driver, it is important to seek legal guidance as soon as possible. An experienced Kansas injury attorney can help you understand your rights and pursue fair compensation for your damages. The dedicated team at Bretz Injury Law is available to help you through every step of the process. Call 620-524-0080 today for a free consultation.
