Barry County, MO— February 2, 2025, One person was injured following a motorcycle accident that occurred at around 3:15 P.M. on Highway 39.

An investigation is underway following a motorcycle accident that left one person injured during the afternoon hours of February 2nd. According to official reports, a Yamaha was traveling on Highway 39 outside of Jenkins, MO when for unknown reasons a Harley Davidson struck it causing damage to both vehicles.

When first responders arrived on the scene they found that the Yamaha driver had sustained serious injuries and they were transported to the hospital for treatment. Details of the accident and how it occurred are few at the moment, and and at this time it remains unknown what caused the collision, and the identity and status of the rider has not been released, however this remains an ongoing investigation and more details may be released by authorities in the future.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When a motorcycle crash like this occurs, people often assume that one of the riders simply made an error. However, having examined many crashes over the years, I know that these incidents can be far more complex than they first appear. Before reaching any conclusions, it’s important to ensure that the investigation answers three key questions.

First, did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? Motorcycle accidents can be especially challenging to reconstruct because they often happen quickly, and the damage can make it difficult to determine exactly what led to the collision. Investigators will likely document skid marks, vehicle positions, and witness statements, but the depth of the investigation depends on available resources and training. Key questions include: Did either rider attempt to avoid the crash? Were there any road hazards, such as loose gravel or debris, that contributed to the loss of control? Did authorities obtain statements from all available witnesses? Without a detailed analysis, critical details could be overlooked.

Second, has anyone looked into the possibility that a vehicle defect contributed to the crash? While people rarely consider mechanical failure in motorcycle accidents, defects in braking systems, throttle response, or steering components can all play a role in loss of control. In this case, determining why the Harley Davidson struck the Yamaha is crucial. Did the rider lose braking power? Was there an issue with throttle control? These types of defects are difficult to diagnose without a forensic examination of the motorcycles, and unless someone takes steps to preserve them, any potential evidence could be lost.

Finally, has all the electronic data related to the crash been collected? While motorcycles don’t typically store as much data as passenger vehicles, some modern models do record key information such as speed and throttle input. Additionally, cell phone data could help determine whether distraction played a role. Nearby businesses or traffic cameras may have captured footage of the collision, which can provide crucial context. The problem is that this evidence doesn’t last forever—video footage is often deleted within days, and motorcycles involved in crashes may be quickly repaired or scrapped before they can be properly examined.

At the end of the day, those involved in this crash deserve real answers. Serious motorcycle accidents can have life-changing consequences, and the least we can do as a community is ensure that every possible factor is considered so that those affected aren’t left wondering what really happened.