Bexar County, TX — March 5, 2025, Shane Smith was injured due to a motorcycle accident at approximately 4:30 a.m. along Bandera Road (State Highway 16).

According to authorities, 56-year-old Shane Smith was traveling on a southeast bound Harley-Davidson motorcycle on Bandera Road at the Eckhert Road intersection when the accident took place.

Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, the motorcycle was involved in a single-vehicle accident in which it apparently overturned. Smith reportedly sustained serious injuries over the course of the wreck. Additional details pertaining to this incident are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When a motorcycle crashes by itself in the early morning hours, it's easy to assume the rider simply lost control. But assumptions don’t explain how or why it happened—especially when someone ends up seriously hurt. For Shane Smith’s crash, a closer look is warranted.

1. Did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash?

Motorcycle crashes are easy to oversimplify, but they're rarely simple. Did investigators examine the road for signs of sudden braking or debris that could have triggered the fall? Was the scene documented to understand where and how the bike lost traction? Without this kind of analysis, it's impossible to know if this was truly a rider error or something else entirely. Riders like Smith deserve a real investigation, not just a passing review.

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

Harley-Davidson motorcycles have complex systems, and problems with brakes, suspension, or even the throttle could cause a sudden loss of control. If no one inspected the motorcycle afterward, there’s no way to rule out the possibility of a malfunction. That’s a critical step—especially in single-vehicle incidents where no one else can offer a second perspective.

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

Some newer motorcycles log limited ride data—speed, throttle position, even lean angles—which can help reconstruct what happened. And even when the bike doesn’t record much, nearby traffic cameras or GPS trackers may offer useful insight. If those resources weren’t tapped, key facts about Smith’s ride may have slipped away unnoticed.

Single-vehicle motorcycle accidents are often wrapped up quickly, but without the right questions, a full understanding is lost. When serious injuries are involved, every possible cause deserves attention.

Key Takeaways:

• Scene analysis should determine whether road conditions or obstacles contributed to the crash.
• Mechanical inspection of the motorcycle can uncover defects that may have caused the loss of control.
• Electronic data or camera footage may clarify rider behavior and vehicle dynamics at the moment of the crash.