Sherman, TX — February 28, 2025, a motorcyclist from Sherman was injured in a truck accident at approximately 1:45 p.m. along U.S. Highway 75.
According to authorities, a 54-year-old man was traveling on a westbound Kawasaki motorcycle on U.S. Highway 82 at the U.S. 75 intersection when the accident took place.
The cause of the accident remains unclear. Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, a southbound Peterbilt 18-wheeler with a trailer in tow on the exit ramp from U.S. 75 entered the intersection at an apparently unsafe time, failing to stop for the lights indicated by the traffic signal. This resulted in a collision between the motorcycle and the truck.
The motorcyclist reportedly suffered serious injuries over the course of the accident. Additional details pertaining to this incident—including the identity of the victim—are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
When an 18-wheeler fails to stop at a traffic signal and collides with a motorcyclist, the key question isn’t just what happened, but why it happened. In my experience handling truck accident cases, wrecks like this rarely occur without multiple contributing factors that need to be examined.
Why didn’t the truck stop for the light? Professional drivers are trained to anticipate traffic signals and adjust their speed accordingly. Investigators need to determine whether the driver misjudged the light, was distracted, or was unable to stop in time due to excessive speed. Reviewing dashcam footage, black box data, and witness statements could provide critical insight.
Did the truck’s size and braking distance play a role? Large trucks take significantly longer to stop than passenger vehicles and motorcycles. If the driver was traveling too fast when approaching the intersection or following too closely behind other vehicles, that could have contributed to the collision. Investigators should analyze speed data, braking distances, and crash scene evidence to determine whether the truck was operated safely.
Did the trucking company play a role? If the truck was operating commercially, investigators need to determine whether the driver was following hours-of-service regulations, whether the vehicle was properly maintained, and whether company policies placed any undue pressure on the driver. Reviewing company records, driver logs, and past safety violations could help establish whether broader issues contributed to the crash.
Did the motorcyclist have any opportunity to avoid the collision? While motorcycles are more maneuverable than larger vehicles, they also offer little protection in the event of a crash. Investigators should determine whether the rider had enough time and space to react or if the truck’s unexpected movement left no opportunity for evasive action.
At the end of the day, the most important thing is finding answers. Even if it takes an independent investigation to gather the right evidence, it’s critical to examine every factor to ensure those affected by the crash get the clarity they deserve.
