Dallas, TX — November 29, 2024, a bicyclist was injured in a hit-and-run accident at about 9 p.m. on Northwest Highway/Loop 12.

A preliminary accident report indicates that an unknown driver hit a bicyclist on Northwest Highway near Sheila Lane. The driver did not stop after the collision.

The bicyclist, a 20-year-old Mississippi man, suffered serious injuries in the crash, according to authorities. His name has not been made public at this time.

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

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When I see reports of a crash like this, my first thought is that the injured bicyclist and his loved ones deserve clear answers about what happened. A hit-and-run involving a cyclist raises serious concerns, not just about the collision itself, but also about why the driver fled. In my experience, these cases require urgent and thorough investigations to ensure key evidence isn’t lost. Before any conclusions can be reached, three critical areas need further examination.

First, did authorities conduct a thorough investigation? Identifying a hit-and-run driver can be challenging, but time is critical in preserving evidence. Did investigators collect any vehicle debris, tire marks or paint transfer from the scene that could help determine the make and model of the suspect vehicle? Have they reviewed nearby traffic and surveillance cameras that may have captured footage of the vehicle before or after the crash? Additionally, were lighting conditions and road markings evaluated to determine whether visibility played a role? The sooner investigators piece together these details, the better the chances of finding the driver.

Second, has anyone considered whether a vehicle defect contributed to the crash? While fleeing the scene is never justified, some drivers panic, especially if their vehicle malfunctioned in a way that contributed to the collision. Did the suspect vehicle experience brake failure or a steering malfunction, leading to a loss of control? Were its headlights functioning properly, ensuring the driver could see the bicyclist in time to react? While the driver is ultimately responsible for stopping and rendering aid, a complete investigation should determine whether a mechanical failure played a role in the incident.

Finally, has all available electronic data been collected? If authorities locate the suspect vehicle, its engine control module (ECM) may contain data on speed, braking and steering inputs at the time of the crash. Additionally, surveillance footage from nearby businesses, traffic cameras or even doorbell cameras in the area could provide images of the suspect vehicle. Investigators should also check phone records: was the driver distracted at the time of the crash? The sooner this evidence is secured, the better the chances of holding the responsible party accountable.

At the end of the day, a bicyclist suffered serious injuries, and the least the community owes him is a full and thorough investigation. If any of these three questions remain unanswered, there’s a real possibility that key details are being overlooked. Until we know exactly what happened and why, the victim and his family simply don’t have the full story.