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POLK COUNTY

Jacob Flannery, Sharon Bittner hurt in motorcycle wreck on Highway 65

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Nissan Altima turned from Hawthorne Crossing in Bondurant

May 03, 2026 | Bondurant, IA

Three individuals sustained injuries, two of them severe, in a collision between a passenger car and a motorcycle at a busy intersection in Bondurant, Iowa. 

The incident occurred when a vehicle turning onto Highway 65 struck an oncoming motorcycle, highlighting ongoing road safety concerns for riders.

Motorcycle ACCIDENTJacob Flannery, 45, and Sharon Bittner, 36, were seriously injured after a motorcycle crash at Highway 65 and Hawthorne Crossing.

What Happened in the Crash?

The Iowa State Patrol (ISP) detailed the sequence of the crash in their official report. 

Key facts include:

  • Date and Time: Sunday, May 3, around 2:51 p.m.
  • Location: Intersection of Highway 65 and Hawthorne Crossing, Bondurant, IA
  • Vehicles Involved: 2015 Nissan Altima and 2014 Harley-Davidson FLHTK motorcycle
  • Maneuver: The Nissan attempted a left turn onto southbound Highway 65, colliding with the northbound motorcycle

This crash at a high-traffic junction underscores the need for vigilance at intersections, common sites for such accidents.

Who Was Involved and What Were the Injuries?

  • Motorcycle Driver: Jacob Flannery, 45, of Colfax, suffered serious injuries and was transported to Iowa Methodist Medical Center (IMMC) in Des Moines for care.
  • Motorcycle Passenger: Sharon Bittner, 36, of Bondurant, sustained life-threatening injuries and was also rushed to IMMC Des Moines.
  • Car Driver: A 27-year-old woman from the area was treated for minor injuries at a local hospital.

Immediate medical response was critical, as the severity of the injuries required urgent intervention.

Why Do Motorcycle Accidents Like This Occur?

Motorcyclists face heightened risks on roadways due to their vulnerability. Factors contributing to such collisions often include:

  • Failure to yield during turns
  • Blind spots not checked by drivers of larger vehicles
  • Distracted or inexperienced motorists

According to the National Safety Council (NSC), motorcyclists accounted for a significant portion of road injuries in recent years.

StatisticValueSource
Motorcyclists injured in traffic crashes (2023)82,564National Safety Council
Injury rate per 1 million miles traveled409National Safety Council
Common crash causesIntersection turns, blind spotsFederal Highway Administration

This table illustrates the persistent dangers, drawing from data by the NSC and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).

Legal Insights

National legal analysts provide perspective on incidents involving motorcycles and vehicles. In cases such as this, understanding contributing factors is essential for accountability and support.

"Motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable on the road, with blind spots, inexperienced drivers, and distractions frequently leading to collisions," said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal.

Key takeaways from analyst insights:

  • Accident reconstruction and professional analysis help determine causes.
  • Reviewing police reports, witness statements, and insurance details strengthens investigations.
  • Legal representation ensures fair compensation and holds negligent parties accountable.

"Stress from injuries affects every part of life, and hiring an attorney is crucial to negotiate effectively with insurers," noted Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal.

Analysts emphasize compassionate guidance for those impacted, protecting rights while pursuing justice.

Pending further investigation by authorities, those injured may explore options for personal injury claims to address medical costs and other losses.

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Our rigorous standards ensure accurate, timely reporting on legal news, accidents, and public safety. For transparency, view our Corrections Policy, which guarantees review within 24 hours. 

Learn more about our Editorial Process and Editorial Policy.

(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)

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If you or a family member has been affected by a similar incident, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation. Use the contact information provided on this page.

(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).

Tags: Latest News, Non Commercial, Motorcycle Accident, Iowa, Bondurant motorcycle crash, Highway 65 accident, Iowa State Patrol report, vehicle collision

The staff of Newsline would like to extend our thoughts and prayers to Jacob Flannery, Sharon Bittner and family

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