Carrollton, TX — April 15, 2025, Ian Cowen was injured in a motorcycle accident at about 1:45 a.m. on the Sam Rayburn Tollway.

A preliminary accident report indicates that a 2023 Kawasaki ZX600 motorcycle was headed south near Carrollton Parkway when it hit the median barrier.

Motorcyclist Ian Cowen, 27, was seriously injured in the crash, according to the report.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the Denton County crash.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When I read about a crash like this, my first thought is that I hope the injured rider is receiving appropriate care and that investigators are taking the necessary steps to determine all contributing factors. A motorcycle striking a median barrier on a controlled-access toll road raises important questions that go beyond rider input alone. To fully understand what happened on the Sam Rayburn Tollway, we need to ask three critical questions.

First, did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? Understanding why the motorcycle came into contact with the median is essential. Was the barrier properly marked and visible? Were lighting and signage adequate, particularly given that the crash occurred in the early morning hours? Was the road surface in good condition, or were there any issues such as debris, uneven pavement or pooled water that might have played a role? A detailed analysis of the crash scene is necessary to determine whether the roadway environment contributed to the incident.

Second, has anyone considered whether a vehicle defect may have contributed to the crash or its severity? The 2023 Kawasaki ZX600 should be examined for possible issues in the braking system, tires or steering components. Motorcycles are particularly sensitive to even minor equipment failures, and a problem with tire pressure or suspension can lead to a loss of stability. Additionally, investigators should confirm whether all safety equipment, particularly the helmet and protective gear, performed properly to help mitigate the severity of the injury. These evaluations are only possible if the motorcycle is preserved and inspected.

Finally, has all the electronic and digital data related to the crash been collected? While motorcycles typically don’t store as much onboard data as passenger vehicles, many modern bikes are equipped with GPS or telemetry systems that can record speed, location and ride behavior. If the rider was using a mobile device, fitness tracker or dash-mounted camera, these may also provide relevant information about the moments leading up to the crash. Preserving and reviewing such evidence is key to building a complete picture of the event.

Crashes involving motorcycles require careful and objective analysis. A rider was seriously injured, and while it may appear to be a single-vehicle incident, determining whether road design, environmental factors or equipment performance played a role is essential. Only by asking the right questions and collecting all relevant data can we provide a full, factual account of what happened.