Haltom City, TX — September 27, 2024, one person was injured in a car accident at about 9:45 p.m. on U.S. Highway 377/Denton Highway.

Authorities said a 2021 Harley Davidson FLT motorcycle was headed north on Denton Highway near Browning Drive when it crashed into a southbound Toyota C-HR that was turning left.

The motorcyclist, a 44-year-old man whose name has not been made public at this time, suffered suspected serious injuries in the crash, according to authorities.

No other injuries were reported.

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

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When I read about a crash like this, my first thought is that I hope investigators take the time to determine exactly what happened. Motorcycle crashes involving left-turning vehicles are unfortunately common, but experience has shown me that these incidents are often more complex than they first appear. That’s why any thorough investigation must address three critical questions.

First, did the authorities conduct a thorough investigation? The report states that the Toyota C-HR was making a left turn when the motorcycle collided with it, but that alone doesn’t explain why the crash occurred. A full investigation should determine whether the driver properly yielded before turning, whether the motorcyclist had time to react, and whether visibility played a role. Were there any obstructions that may have affected either party’s ability to see the other? Was the intersection properly marked and well-lit? Were there witnesses or traffic cameras that could provide additional context? Without answering these questions, important details may be overlooked.

Second, has anyone considered whether a vehicle defect played a role? It’s easy to assume that the crash was caused by a misjudgment or failure to yield, but mechanical failures can’t be ruled out without an examination of both vehicles. Did the Toyota’s turn signals function properly, alerting the motorcyclist of the turn? Did the motorcycle experience brake failure or throttle issues that prevented the rider from slowing down in time? The 2021 Harley Davidson FLT is equipped with advanced braking and stability systems, but if any of those systems failed, it could have played a role in the crash. Unless the vehicles are preserved for a forensic examination, these possibilities may never be explored.

Lastly, has all the electronic data from the crash been preserved? Both the Toyota C-HR and the Harley Davidson FLT are likely equipped with engine control modules that store key data, such as speed, braking, and throttle input before the crash. This information could help clarify whether the motorcyclist attempted to slow down, how fast both vehicles were traveling, and whether the Toyota driver initiated the turn at a safe moment. Additionally, nearby traffic or security cameras might provide further insight. However, this kind of evidence is time-sensitive, and if it isn’t gathered quickly, it may be lost.

At the end of the day, crashes like this demand a full and thorough investigation. Those affected deserve clear answers, and the only way to provide those answers is by ensuring all possible factors are fully examined. The least the community can do is make sure every effort is made to determine exactly what led to this crash.