El Paso, TX — January 16, 2025, Mario Mendoza was injured in a motorcycle accident at approximately 10:00 p.m. along North Yarbrough Drive.

According to authorities, 24-year-old Mario Mendoza was traveling on a southbound Harley-Davidson motorcycle on Yarbrough Drive at the Edgemere Boulevard intersection when the accident took place.

Officials indicate that, for reasons yet to be confirmed, the motorcycle was involved in a single-vehicle collision in which it apparently struck a curb. Mendoza reportedly suffered serious injuries as a result of the wreck. Additional details pertaining to this incident are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.

Commentary

When a motorcyclist suffers serious injuries in what’s described as a single-vehicle crash, such as the one involving Mario Mendoza in El Paso, the explanation often ends with a vague phrase like “lost control.” But from my experience, that kind of conclusion overlooks the deeper causes that can—and should—be uncovered through careful investigation. To understand how a crash like this actually occurred, there are three essential questions that need to be asked.

First, did investigators examine the crash scene thoroughly, including roadway design and visibility? Striking a curb may sound simple, but what matters is why it happened. Was the intersection poorly lit? Were road markings worn, or was the curb unexpectedly placed or unmarked? Was Mr. Mendoza trying to avoid another vehicle or obstacle? These are questions that can only be answered through detailed scene documentation—skid marks, debris location, environmental factors—and by checking for any available surveillance footage from nearby intersections or businesses.

Second, has anyone considered whether a mechanical failure on the motorcycle may have contributed to the crash? A sudden loss of braking ability, a steering system issue, or even a tire blowout on a Harley-Davidson could easily lead to a rider losing control—particularly while negotiating an intersection at night. These types of failures are often invisible without a forensic examination of the bike, and such an inspection needs to happen before the motorcycle is repaired or disposed of.

Finally, has all potential digital and electronic evidence been gathered? While many motorcycles don’t come equipped with traditional event data recorders, some riders use GPS-based ride-tracking apps or onboard devices that log speed, throttle, and route data. Investigators should also check whether any surveillance cameras or dashcams captured the crash or the moments leading up to it. Even cell phone location data or emergency call logs may help reconstruct what happened.

Answering these three questions is critical to making sure that no stone is left unturned in understanding the causes of a crash like this. Serious wrecks deserve serious investigation, not assumptions. Getting clear answers to these questions is crucial for those seeking to understand what happened and why—and it's the least that can be done to help those affected find the clarity and closure they deserve.