Bastrop County, TX — November 23, 2024, Daniel Renteria was injured in a motorcycle accident at approximately 12:00 midnight along Thousand Oaks Drive.

According to authorities, 43-year-old Daniel Renteria was traveling on a Can-Am Spyder Roadster motorcycle on Thousand Oaks Drive in the vicinity southeast of the Misty Glen Cove intersection when the accident took place.

The cause of the accident remains unclear. Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, the motorcycle was involved in a single-vehicle collision in which it apparently struck a tree. Renteria reportedly sustained serious injuries over the course of the accident. Additional details pertaining to this incident are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When I read about a crash like this, my first thought is that I hope Daniel Renteria and his loved ones get the answers they need about what happened. A single-vehicle motorcycle accident might seem straightforward, but I know from experience that these cases are often more complicated than they initially appear. That’s why it’s critical to examine three key questions when looking into any serious crash.

The first question is whether authorities have conducted a thorough investigation. Law enforcement typically documents the scene, notes any visible evidence, and considers potential contributing factors. However, motorcycle accidents can be particularly challenging to reconstruct, especially if there were no witnesses. Did the roadway conditions play a role? Was there debris or an obstruction in the road? Did authorities have the necessary time and resources to fully investigate? Ensuring that all these factors are considered is essential to getting a clear picture of what happened.

The second question to ask is whether anyone has looked into the possibility of a vehicle defect. The Can-Am Spyder Roadster is a unique three-wheeled motorcycle, and while it’s designed for stability, mechanical issues could still lead to a crash. Problems with the steering system, brakes, or even a tire failure could cause a rider to lose control unexpectedly. Unfortunately, vehicle defects are rarely investigated unless someone pushes for that possibility to be explored. A forensic examination of the motorcycle could help determine whether a mechanical issue played a role.

Finally, it’s important to determine whether all relevant electronic data has been collected. Many modern motorcycles, including the Can-Am Spyder, have onboard electronic systems that record key data, such as speed, throttle input, and braking. Surveillance cameras or nearby security footage may also provide valuable insight. Even cellphone data could be useful, especially if there’s a question of whether the rider had to take evasive action due to another vehicle. The sooner this information is secured, the more helpful it will be in understanding the circumstances surrounding the crash.

At the end of the day, answering these questions could be essential to understanding what really happened and why. A thorough examination of all three of these issues—including the quality of police investigations, possible vehicle defects, and electronic data—is the least that can be done to ensure that those affected by the crash receive the clarity they deserve.