Smith County, TX — September 20, 2024, a man was killed due to a hit-and-run car accident at approximately 5:30 p.m. along Gentry Boulevard.

According to authorities, a 36-year-old man was traveling on an eastbound Suzuki motorcycle on Gentry Boulevard at the Border Avenue intersection when the accident took place.

Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, a westbound motor vehicle of unknown make of model attempted a left turn to head south on Border at an allegedly unsafe time. A collision consequently took place between the unknown vehicle and the motorcycle. The unknown vehicle fled the scene, the person(s) inside failing to stop and render aid of any sort to the victim.

The man who had been on the motorcycle reportedly suffered critical injuries as a result of the wreck. However, he was ultimately unable to overcome the severity of his injuries, having later been declared deceased. Additional details pertaining to this incident—including the identity of the victim—are not available at this point in time.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When a motorcyclist is killed and the driver responsible leaves the scene, what remains isn’t just wreckage—it’s a void of accountability. Crashes like these don’t just demand legal consequences. They demand a full search for the truth about what actually happened before anyone can claim justice has been served.

1. Did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash?

With a hit-and-run at an intersection, especially involving a motorcycle, it’s crucial that investigators didn’t stop at witness statements. Did they collect and map out evidence like tire marks, debris, or the motorcyclist’s trajectory after impact? Was traffic camera footage or surveillance from nearby businesses secured? These are key steps to determine how the crash occurred and which direction the fleeing vehicle took. Without thorough scene reconstruction, there's a risk the physical evidence may deteriorate or be lost altogether, making it harder to piece together what led to the crash.

2. Has anyone looked into the possibility that a vehicle defect caused the crash?

Even though the vehicle fled, it’s still possible that a defect played a role in the crash itself. If the turning vehicle had mechanical issues—such as brake failure or power steering malfunction—it might explain why the driver made a dangerous left turn. If and when the vehicle is located, a full inspection could reveal whether something failed mechanically that contributed to the crash. Ignoring this angle risks missing a deeper cause beyond poor judgment.

3. Has all the electronic data relating to the crash been collected?

In a hit-and-run, external data becomes even more important. Traffic cameras, business surveillance, and license plate readers in the area may have captured the vehicle before or after the crash. If the suspect vehicle is found, onboard data—like speed, braking, or turn signal use—might still be retrievable and could confirm or refute witness accounts. The victim’s motorcycle, if equipped with GPS or a helmet cam, might also contain data useful to the investigation. This type of evidence is time-sensitive and must be gathered quickly to be effective.

This wasn’t just a crash—it was a moment where someone made a decision to flee rather than help. But beyond that act, the question still remains: was this collision truly a reckless mistake, or was there something deeper behind it? That answer will only come to light if someone’s willing to dig.

Key Takeaways:

• Fatal hit-and-run crashes require immediate scene preservation and thorough reconstruction.
• Mechanical failures in the suspect vehicle must be examined if the vehicle is recovered.
• Surveillance footage, GPS data, and vehicle logs are essential to building a complete picture of the crash.