Tarrant County, TX — June 25, 2024, Patrick Hendrix was injured due to a motorcycle versus car accident just after 1:15 p.m. along Hopper Road.

According to authorities, 29-year-old Patrick Hendrix was traveling on an eastbound Harley-Davidson motorcycle on Hopper Road at the Rendon New Hope Road intersection when the accident took place. Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, a southbound Dodge Grand Caravan entered the intersection at an apparently unsafe time, failing to yield at a stop sign. A collision consequently occurred between the front-end of the Dodge and the left side of the motorcycle.

Hendrix reportedly sustained serious injuries over the course of the accident. He was taken to an area medical facility by EMS in order to receive necessary treatment. Additional details pertaining to this incident are not available at this point in time.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When a motorcycle rider is struck at an intersection, the questions go far beyond who had the stop sign. Because motorcycles offer little protection, the outcome is often serious—and that demands a closer look at how the crash unfolded and whether the investigation looked beyond the surface.

1. Did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash?
In a collision like this, where a driver enters from a stop and hits a motorcycle crossing their path, there’s often an assumption that the driver simply didn’t see the rider. But that assumption isn’t enough. Were the vehicles’ positions documented precisely? Did investigators determine how long the rider had been in the intersection and whether evasive actions were possible? If officers didn’t reconstruct the scene with those details in mind, then the full timeline of the crash may never have been established.

2. Has anyone looked into the possibility that a vehicle defect caused the crash?
Sometimes, a vehicle enters an intersection not because the driver misjudged, but because the vehicle didn’t respond properly. A sticky accelerator, delayed throttle, or brake issue could explain why the Dodge moved forward unexpectedly. It’s also worth considering whether the motorcycle had any mechanical issues that affected control or braking—especially if the rider tried to swerve. Without mechanical inspections of both vehicles, those questions may never have been answered.

3. Has all the electronic data relating to the crash been collected?
The Grand Caravan likely carried systems that recorded speed, brake input, and throttle response—data that could clarify whether the driver stopped, hesitated, or accelerated. If nearby traffic cameras or security footage exist, they might show how long the motorcycle had been approaching or whether the rider attempted to avoid the impact. In cases involving serious injury and limited witness input, digital records often provide the clearest picture—if they were secured in time.

Motorcycle crashes at intersections are often labeled as "failure to yield" cases and set aside. But without asking deeper questions—about timing, vehicle function, and data—the real cause might never be brought to light.

Takeaways:

• Intersections involving motorcycles demand thorough crash reconstructions with attention to timing and movement.
• Mechanical failures in either vehicle can play a role and should not be overlooked.
• Electronic data from the vehicle and potential camera footage may offer key insights into what really happened.