Odessa, TX — October 27, 2024, motorcyclist Michael Johnson was injured in a traffic accident on 42nd Street in Odessa.
According to authorities, the incident happened shortly before 7:20 p.m. on 42nd at John Ben Shepperd Parkway. Investigators say Johnson was westbound on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, approaching JBS Parkway, as an eastbound Chevy Silverado approached from the other direction. The pickup then turned left toward the northbound parkway, allegedly failing to yield the right-of-way to the motorcycle. The two vehicles collided in the westbound lanes.
Michael Johnson suffered serious bodily injury in the collision and was transported first by ambulance, then by air, to an area hospital. No other injuries were reported.
The investigation is ongoing. No further information is currently available.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
The details of this accident may not seem all that remarkable; on its surface it mostly just looks like someone failed to yield to cross-traffic at an intersection and injuries followed. However, there may be more to the story so as always it’s important to investigate carefully and find the whole truth. Plenty of extenuating circumstances might have been involved here.
For instance, 42nd and JBS Parkway is controlled by traffic lights. The news alleges the pickup failed to yield, so did the driver have a red light? What about a turn arrow? What was visibility like at the time of the accident? Sightlines? Weather? Were both vehicles in good working order? Could either have been defective? Was there any other traffic? Were both operators awake, alert, and paying attention? If not, why not? Did witnesses see how things went down?
I have no reason to doubt the news about fault, and believe me when I say I don’t want to blame the victim for the crash that caused him so much pain. People just don’t always consider how most accidents are really a combination of things happening all at once. The victim deserves to know that every possibility was taken into consideration, even if investigating it further just rules it out. Will police take the time and care to ensure he gets the whole story?
call us 
Email Us 
Text us