Lamar, AR — April 1, 2025, Zachariah Contant was killed following a car accident that occurred at around 4:49 P.M. on I-40.

An investigation is underway following a car accident that left one person dead during the afternoon hours of April 1st. According to official reports, Zachariah Contant was traveling on a Yamaha motorcycle on I-40 in the westbound lanes, when for unknown reasons the Yamaha swerved and struck the rear of Dodge pickup.

When first responders arrived on the scene, they found that Contant had sustained fatal injuries and he was pronounced deceased. At this time there has been no further information released from the accident, 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 collides with the rear of another vehicle—particularly on a major highway like I-40, and results in the death of the rider—it is vital that investigators conduct a complete and methodical review of the circumstances. In this case, where a Yamaha motorcycle reportedly swerved before striking the rear of a Dodge pickup, a proper investigation must begin by addressing three critical questions: (1) Did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? (2) Has anyone looked into the possibility that a vehicle defect caused or contributed to the crash? (3) Has all the electronic data relating to the crash been collected?

The report states that the motorcycle swerved for unknown reasons. Determining why this occurred is essential to understanding the cause of the collision. Investigators should examine the condition of the roadway at the time—looking for evidence of debris, uneven surfaces, sudden lane changes by surrounding vehicles, or other hazards that may have caused the rider to take evasive action. Given the high-speed environment of a highway, even minor disruptions can have serious consequences for a motorcyclist.

Equally important is evaluating whether the motorcycle itself may have experienced a mechanical or systems failure. A sudden issue with the front or rear brake system, steering components, or suspension could cause a rider to lose control. Motorcycles, particularly sport or touring models, may also have advanced electronic safety systems—such as anti-lock brakes or traction control—that must be inspected to ensure they were operating properly. A detailed mechanical review of the Yamaha should be undertaken to rule out the possibility that a defect or failure played a role in the crash.

Lastly, any available electronic data should be collected and preserved. While motorcycles typically contain less onboard diagnostic data than passenger vehicles, some modern models do store limited information through modules or rider-assist technologies. In addition, if the Dodge pickup was a newer model, its electronic control module (ECM) may provide details such as its speed, braking activity, or other vehicle behavior at the moment of impact. This data can help clarify whether the collision was a result of an abrupt maneuver by either vehicle or a system malfunction.

Until these three questions are fully addressed, the cause of the crash cannot be clearly established. A complete investigation—incorporating crash scene analysis, mechanical inspection, and digital data collection—is necessary to determine what occurred and whether any factors could be addressed to improve safety and prevent similar incidents in the future.