Phelps County, MO — February 2, 2025, One person was injured following a motorcycle accident that occurred at around 4:35 P.M. on Interstate 44.

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 Moto Guzzi motorcycle was traveling on I-44 near the 189 mile-marker in the eastbound lanes when for unknown reasons the vehicle suffered a tire failure and crashed.

When first responders arrived on the scene they found that the driver had sustained serious injuries and they were transported to the hospital for treatment. At this time it remains unclear what caused the motorcycle to malfunction and lose control and the the status and identity of the driver remains unknown, 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 involves a reported tire failure, it’s easy to assume that it was just an unfortunate accident. However, from my experience investigating crashes, I know that mechanical failures often have underlying causes that deserve closer scrutiny. Before reaching any conclusions, it’s important to ensure that the investigation answers three key questions.

First, did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? Law enforcement officers will likely document the scene, take photos, and assess the motorcycle’s condition. However, the depth of their investigation depends on available resources and their level of training in crash reconstruction. Key questions include: Was there visible damage to the tire before impact, or did the failure occur as a result of the crash? Were there any road hazards—such as debris or potholes—that could have contributed to the failure? Was the tire properly installed and inflated? Without a detailed forensic review, these critical details may go overlooked.

Second, has anyone looked into the possibility that a vehicle defect contributed to the crash? While tire failures can result from simple wear and tear, they can also be caused by manufacturing defects, improper installation, or hidden structural weaknesses. Motorcycle tires are subjected to intense forces, and even a small defect can lead to catastrophic failure. If this tire failure occurred without warning, it’s crucial to determine whether the tire itself was defective, whether it was part of a recalled batch, or if there was an issue with the motorcycle’s suspension that contributed to the failure. Unfortunately, unless someone takes steps to preserve the motorcycle and have it properly examined, this evidence may be lost before anyone can determine what really happened.

Finally, has all the electronic data related to the crash been collected? While motorcycles typically don’t store as much data as cars, some modern models do record key information such as speed, throttle input, and braking behavior. Additionally, surveillance footage from nearby traffic cameras or businesses could provide crucial insight into the moments before the crash. If the rider had a helmet camera, that footage could also be invaluable in understanding exactly when and how the tire failed. The problem is that this evidence won’t last forever—video footage is often deleted within days, and the motorcycle itself may be quickly repaired or scrapped if no one intervenes to secure it.

At the end of the day, the person injured in this crash deserves real answers. A tire failure may seem like an isolated incident, but it could be part of a larger issue—whether it’s a defective product, improper maintenance, or an undetected road hazard. The least we can do as a community is ensure that every possible factor is examined so that those affected aren’t left wondering what really happened.