1 Injured in Motorcycle Accident on U.S. Route 380 in McKinney, TX

McKinney, TX — July 9, 2024, one person was injured in a motorcycle accident at about 3 a.m. on U.S. Route 380/West University Drive.

A preliminary accident report indicates a 2021 Can-Am motorcycle crashed into the back of a 2021 Nissan Altima while traveling east near North Waddill Street.

The motorcyclist, a 37-year-old man whose name has not been made public, suffered suspected serious injuries in the crash, according to authorities.

No other injuries were reported.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the crash.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When I see reports of a crash like this, my first thought is that the injured motorcyclist and their loved ones deserve clear answers about what happened. At first glance, a rear-end collision involving a motorcycle and a car may seem straightforward, but in my experience, these types of crashes often have more going on beneath the surface. Before anyone can fully understand what led to this crash, there are three critical questions that must be addressed.

First, did the authorities conduct a thorough investigation? Motorcycle crashes present unique challenges because riders are far more vulnerable than those in passenger vehicles. Given that this happened at 3 a.m., visibility could have played a role. Did investigators check whether the Nissan Altima had working taillights? Did they take into account road conditions, possible obstructions or even the possibility of another driver’s actions indirectly contributing to the crash? A proper investigation should go beyond the basic details to ensure nothing is overlooked.

Second, has anyone considered whether a vehicle defect contributed to the crash? While people often assume rear-end collisions are caused by inattention, mechanical issues can play a role. The Can-Am motorcycle is a unique three-wheeled vehicle, and stability or braking problems could have affected the rider’s ability to stop in time. Additionally, if the Nissan Altima’s brake lights were malfunctioning, the motorcyclist may not have had proper warning before the vehicle slowed down. Without a forensic examination of both vehicles, it’s impossible to rule out mechanical failures as contributing factors.

Finally, has all available electronic data been collected? Many modern motorcycles, including Can-Am models, have electronic control modules that track speed, braking and throttle inputs. The Nissan Altima likely has an engine control module as well, which could reveal when and how it slowed down before the crash. Surveillance cameras, traffic cameras and even nearby businesses may have footage of the moments leading up to the crash. Additionally, cell phone records could indicate whether distraction played a role for either driver. All of these pieces of evidence are crucial to getting a clear picture of what happened.

At the end of the day, serious crashes like this leave the injured party and their families with pressing questions. The least the community owes them is a complete investigation that ensures all possible factors are considered. If any of these three questions remain unanswered, then the full story of what happened — and why — has yet to be told.