Collin County, TX — June 18, 2024, David Golden was killed in a motorcycle versus car accident at approximately 4:00 p.m. along McDonald Street.

According to authorities, 55-year-old David Golden was traveling on a southbound Harley-Davidson motorcycle on McDonald Street approaching the Eldorado Parkway intersection when the accident took place.

The cause of the accident remains unclear. Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, a northbound Nissan Altima on McDonald Street attempted a left turn onto Eldorado Parkway at an apparently unsafe time, failing to yield the right-of-way to oncoming traffic. This resulted in a collision between the motorcycle and the right side of the Nissan.

Golden suffered fatal injuries over the course of the accident, according to reports. Additional details pertaining to this incident are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.

Commentary

When a motorcyclist is killed in a collision with a vehicle turning left across traffic, many people quickly assume the driver simply didn’t see the motorcycle. But in my experience, a crash like this is rarely that simple. To understand what really happened—and whether the loss of life could have been prevented—there are three key questions that should be asked.

First, did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? In incidents involving left-turn collisions, the exact position of both vehicles, timing of the turn, and visibility from both directions are critical to understanding what occurred. Investigators should be looking at more than just the statements of those involved. Road markings, sight lines, witness accounts, and any video footage available can all play an important role in reconstructing the scene. Without that level of detail, conclusions may be drawn without the full picture.

Second, has anyone looked into the possibility that a vehicle defect contributed to the crash? While this kind of crash is often attributed to human error, it’s important not to overlook the potential for mechanical failure—such as a malfunctioning turn signal, worn brakes, or unresponsive steering. These issues can interfere with a driver’s ability to execute a safe turn, and they don’t always leave obvious clues unless the vehicle is carefully examined soon after the crash.

Finally, has all available electronic data related to the crash been collected? The Nissan involved likely contains an event data recorder that stores important information such as speed, brake application, and steering input. That data can help determine whether the driver attempted to avoid the collision and whether the vehicle responded properly. In some cases, traffic or nearby business cameras may also provide valuable insight into how the crash unfolded.

Understanding how and why a crash happened is essential—especially when someone has lost their life. The answers don’t always come easily, but they can’t be found unless the right questions are pursued from the start. Asking these questions is the least that can be done to ensure that those affected by this crash get the clarity and closure they deserve.