San Patricio County, TX — November 9, 2024, a man was injured following a single-vehicle motorcycle accident at approximately 12:45 a.m. along Main Street (F.M. 1069).

According to authorities, a 30-year-old man was traveling on a northbound Kawasaki motorcycle on Main Street in the vicinity of the Church Street intersection when the accident took place.

Road conditions in the area were reported to have been icy or slick. Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, the motorcycle failed to appropriately control its speed. It was subsequently involved in a single-vehicle in which it apparently overturned.

The man suffered reportedly serious injuries over the course of the accident. Additional details pertaining to this incident—including the identity of the victim—are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When I read about a crash like the one in San Patricio County that left a motorcyclist seriously injured, I know that many people will assume it was simply a case of operator error. While that’s certainly a possibility, my experience has shown me that single-vehicle motorcycle crashes—especially those with no clear cause—are often more complex than they first appear. Instead of making assumptions, it’s important to ask the right questions to ensure that all possible contributing factors are explored. To that end, there are three critical questions that need to be considered.

First, did the authorities conduct a thorough investigation? When a motorcycle crashes under unclear circumstances, investigators should determine whether external factors played a role. Did law enforcement examine the roadway for hazards such as debris, potholes, or uneven pavement? If road conditions were icy or slick, were proper warning signs in place? Did investigators check for signs that another vehicle’s actions may have forced the motorcyclist to react suddenly? The quality of the investigation will determine whether all possible explanations are explored or if key details are overlooked.

Second, has anyone looked into whether a vehicle defect contributed to the crash? Motorcycles, like any other vehicle, can experience mechanical failures that affect control. Issues with the brakes, throttle, steering, or suspension could cause a rider to lose control unexpectedly. If the motorcycle had been recently serviced, improper repairs or faulty parts could be a factor. Unfortunately, unless someone specifically requests a forensic vehicle inspection, these possibilities are rarely explored. If the motorcycle is quickly repaired or scrapped, any evidence of a defect may be lost before it can be analyzed.

Lastly, have investigators gathered all available electronic data? While motorcycles don’t typically have event data recorders (EDRs) like passenger vehicles, other sources of information could still be valuable. If the rider had a helmet camera or if nearby businesses had security cameras facing the road, that footage could help clarify what happened. Additionally, motorcycles with modern electronic control systems may store error codes that indicate mechanical issues leading up to the crash. If this evidence isn’t secured quickly, it may become unavailable, making it harder to determine the full circumstances of the accident.

At the end of the day, answering these questions could be essential to understanding what really happened and why. A thorough examination of all three of these issues—including the quality of police investigations, possible vehicle defects, and electronic data—is the least that can be done to ensure that those affected by the crash receive the clarity they deserve.