San Angelo, TX — March 7, 2025, One person was killed following a moped accident that occurred at around 9:00 P.M. on North Bryan St.

An investigation is underway following a moped accident that left one person dead during the evening hours of March 7th. According to official reports, a 77-year-old man was travelling on a moped in the northbound lanes of North Bryan St. when for unknown reasons the moped struck a curb and left the roadway and crashed.

When first responders arrived on the scene, they found that he had sustained serious injuries and was transported to the hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries. At this time there has been no further information released about the accident, including the driver's identity, however this remains an ongoing investigation and more details may be released in the future.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When I see reports of a single-vehicle crash like this one, my first thought is that I hope the authorities take the time to fully investigate what happened. On the surface, it may seem like a straightforward case of operator error, but experience has taught me that many crashes turn out to be more complex than they initially appear. To get a clear picture of what happened, there are three critical questions that need to be answered.

The first question is whether authorities conducted a thorough investigation. Official reports indicate that the moped left the roadway after striking a curb, but they don’t explain why that happened. A proper investigation should examine whether external factors played a role—such as poor road conditions, obstacles in the roadway, or even another driver whose actions may have contributed to the crash. Additionally, since not all departments have extensive training in accident reconstruction, it’s important to consider whether an independent investigation may be needed.

The second question that often goes unasked is whether a vehicle defect could have contributed to the crash. Mopeds, like all motorized vehicles, rely on critical mechanical components such as brakes, steering, and throttle control. A sudden loss of control due to a defect—whether from a mechanical failure or an issue with the tires—could explain why the vehicle left the road. Unfortunately, defects are often overlooked because many people assume a single-vehicle crash is always the driver’s fault. If the moped is still available for examination, it would be important to have a forensic expert assess whether a mechanical issue contributed to the incident.

Lastly, we have to ask whether all relevant electronic data has been collected. Many modern mopeds have electronic control modules (ECMs) that could provide insight into what was happening at the time of the crash. Additionally, nearby security cameras, dashcam footage from other vehicles, or even GPS data from the rider’s phone could help reconstruct the moments leading up to the crash. If authorities don’t take steps to gather this evidence quickly, it could be lost forever.

At the end of the day, every serious crash deserves a full and careful investigation. The people affected deserve to know exactly what happened—not just assumptions based on limited evidence. By asking these three questions, we can help ensure that no potential cause is overlooked and that those impacted by the crash get the answers they need.