Motorcyclist suffers major injuries after hitting a deer near Atascadero

California Highway Patrol responded to a motorcycle crash Tuesday morning.

The crash happened at around 2:30 a.m. on Rocky Canyon Road just south of Highway 41 near Atascadero.

According to CHP, a 55 year-old male driver was heading northbound when a deer ran into the road. The motorcyclist was unable to avoid hitting the deer and upon impact the motorcycle rode up an embankment and the driver was ejected from the motorcycle.

CHP said the motorcyclist was able to walk for a short period of time before collapsing on the side of the road. A passing motorist later found the man and called for help.