Coryell County, TX — October 19, 2024, Bernard Stadelman was injured following a car accident that occurred at around 11:38 P.M. on US-190 Bypass.
Authorities are investigating a single-vehicle motorcycle accident that left one person injured during the late-night hours of October 19th. According to official reports, Bernard Stadelman was operating his Harley Davidson motorcycle in the westbound lanes of US-190 Bypass when for unknown reasons the Harley left the roadway, ejecting Stadelman in the process, before sliding in the grass.
When first responders arrived on the scene they found that Stadelman had sustained serious injuries and transported him to the hospital. At this time there has been no update on the condition of Stadelman’s injuries, or on any details that could have caused this crash.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
During my career which has spanned more than 30 years, I’ve lost count of of the number of crash investigations that I’ve seen. They key difference I’ve noticed between a great investigation and a lack-luster one is whether they answer three important questions that are often missed:
1. Did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash?
Motorcycle accidents are not like car accidents. They require a different approach and analysis to determine their cause. Even though it’s clear that the Harley left the roadway, at this point it’s unclear why, understanding that why is crucial. A thorough investigation should include:
- Analysis of the crash site for environmental factors, such as uneven pavement, loose gravel, or poor lighting.
- Inspection of tire marks or evidence of evasive maneuvers.
- Review of whether any other vehicles or obstacles might have forced the motorcycle off the road.
At times, resources for in-depth investigations may be limited, particularly in single-vehicle crashes which is why Independent experts may be necessary to ensure no detail is overlooked.
2. Has anyone looked into the possibility that a vehicle defect caused the crash?
Mechanical issues or design defects could explain why the motorcycle left the roadway. Harley Davidson motorcycles, like any other brand, have been subject to recalls for various issues, including braking system failures and problems with throttle control. Motorcycles are especially susceptible to defects, as even a minor failure can lead to a loss of control and could have fatal consequences.
3. Has all the electronic data relating to the crash been collected?
Modern vehicles, including motorcycles, are equipped with electronic control modules (ECM’s) also called “black boxes” which can provide valuable insights into the how the vehicle was operating leading up to the crash. These can include:
- Speed, braking input, and steering angle.
- Whether airbags deployed and the timing of deployment.
- Any fault codes that might indicate mechanical failure.
Harley Davidson models increasingly include advanced technologies like anti-lock braking systems (ABS) and electronic stability controls that could store diagnostic information. Additional sources of data could include:
- GPS or mobile app data linked to the motorcycle.
- Traffic or surveillance cameras near the crash site.
This data can provide insights into the motorcycle’s speed, trajectory, and whether any mechanical warnings occurred prior to the crash. Collecting and preserving this data quickly is critical to avoid its loss. Its also worth noting that cell phone data can have data that is paramount in providing crash details.
The takeaway is that single-vehicle accidents don’t always get the attention they deserve. Hopefully, investigators looking into this crash are leaving no stone unturned and those affected will have all their questions answered by the investigation.
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