Gainesville, TX — September 8, 2024, David Alexander was killed and Tina Alexander was injured following a motorcycle accident at around 9:25 A.M. on US 82.
An investigation is underway into a motorcycle accident that left one person dead and one injured during the the morning of September 8th. According to official reports, David and Tina Alexander were travelling on a Harley Davidson motorcycle in the westbound lanes of US 82 at the FM 371 intersection, when a Dodge pickup pulled out in front of the Harley from 371.
Because the pickup failed to yield the right-of-way, the motorcycle struck the side of the truck, causing damage to both vehicles. When first responders arrived on the scene they found that both David and Tina had sustained serious injuries and transported them to the hospital where David Alexander later succumbed to his injuries. At this point in the investigation, there have been no further details released from the accident, including the status of Tina’s injuries.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
I think most people reading about this crash might be tempted to ask, “What is there to investigate? This seems pretty open and shut.” I’d caution against that approach, given what is reported in the news is just the tip of what an investigation should uncover. In fact, there are certain questions that every thorough crash investigation should be able to answer:
1. Did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash?
While the cause of the crash appears obvious at first glance, a comprehensive investigation is still necessary to answer why this crash occurred. Critical steps should include:
- Crash reconstruction: Authorities need to analyze the speed of both vehicles, braking distances, and the point of impact.
- Gathering witness statements: Identifying and interviewing witnesses, including the driver of the Dodge pickup, can clarify how the accident unfolded.
- Traffic and environmental conditions: Factors like visibility at the intersection, traffic signal timing, or road obstructions should also be considered.
A thorough and impartial investigation is essential to ensure that all contributing factors are identified and addressed.
2. Has anyone looked into the possibility that a vehicle defect caused the crash?
While the primary focus of most investigations are the drivers’ actions, it’s important to also consider whether a mechanical issue in either vehicle contributed to the accident:
- Harley Davidson: An examination of the motorcycle should determine whether brake failure, throttle issues, or any other defect may have impacted the riders’ ability to avoid the crash.
- Dodge Pickup: Investigating the pickup’s mechanical systems is equally important, particularly if the driver claims a malfunction prevented them from yielding.
3. Has all the electronic data relating to the crash been collected?
Modern vehicles are equipped with electronic control modules (ECMs), often called “black boxes,” which can provide vital information about what happened in the moments before the crash. This includes:
- Speed, braking activity, steering angle, and whether the driver attempted to stop.
- Whether airbags deployed and the timing of deployment.
- Any fault codes that might indicate mechanical failure.
In addition to data from the vehicle, nearby surveillance cameras, traffic cameras, and most importantly cell phone data, could help reconstruct the events leading up to the collision. Preserving and analyzing this data as quickly as possible is essential, as it can degrade or be overwritten. Prompt collection and preservation of this data are essential, as it can degrade or be lost over time.
I’m not trying to make a mountain out of a molehill, but the fact is that one person died in this crash and another suffered serious injuries. The least they deserved is the full picture regarding how this crash occurred.
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