Travis County, TX — August 9, 2024, Brandon Collier and one other person were injured in a motorcycle accident just before 1:30 a.m. along Interstate 35.
According to authorities, 24-year-old Brandon Collier was traveling on a Ninja motorcycle and a 22-year-old man from Lampasas was traveling on a BMW motorcycle on I-35 in the vicinity south of the Ben White ramp when the accident took place.

Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, the BMW merged into the lane in front of the Ninja before allegedly slowing. A collision consequently followed between the front-end of the Ninja and the rear-end of the BMW. The Lampasas man reportedly sustained serious injuries over the course of the accident. Collier suffered minor injuries, as well. Additional details pertaining to this incident are not available at this point in time.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
When two motorcycles collide on a highway, the assumption often lands on rider error—someone followed too closely or misjudged distance. But crashes like these can hinge on split-second timing, mechanical performance, or unseen issues within the bikes themselves. To understand what truly happened, investigators have to look well beyond surface explanations.
Did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash?
Motorcycle collisions, especially between riders traveling together or in close proximity, call for precision in scene documentation. Did investigators measure skid marks or tire scuffs to determine braking and reaction distances? Was there an effort to reconstruct the riders’ approach speeds and lane positions before impact? Motorcycle crashes at night require even more attention, since lighting and visibility can affect how riders react. Some crash teams have specialized training in these areas, but others may not, which can leave critical evidence unexamined.
Has anyone looked into the possibility that a vehicle defect caused the crash?
Both the Kawasaki Ninja and the BMW motorcycle are performance machines that rely heavily on responsive braking, throttle, and stability systems. A sticking throttle, brake imbalance, or electronic traction issue could cause one bike to slow or fail to react properly, leading to a rear-end collision. Unless the motorcycles were inspected by someone with experience in mechanical failure analysis, the possibility of a defect could easily go overlooked.
Has all the electronic data relating to the crash been collected?
While motorcycles don’t always carry full event data recorders, many modern models do store limited information about throttle, braking, and engine behavior. Additionally, rider smartphones often record speed, route, and motion data that can help recreate the moments before impact. If nearby traffic or security cameras caught the collision, that footage could be invaluable for confirming sequence and timing. Without gathering these sources, investigators are left with assumptions instead of evidence.
Every motorcycle crash tells a story, but not all of it is visible from the surface. When people are hurt, the job of an investigation is to uncover why—not just describe what happened.
Takeaways:
- Motorcycle collisions require careful scene reconstruction to establish timing and distance.
- Mechanical or electronic malfunctions may contribute even when rider error seems likely.
- Digital data from bikes, phones, or cameras can clarify the true sequence of events.