Rider Injured in Motorcycle Accident off West Loop in Lubbock, TX
Lubbock, TX -- May 19, 2022, one person was injured in a single-vehicle motorcycle accident near the West Loop in Lubbock.
Authorities say the incident happened Thursday evening along the West Loop access road close to 26th Street. Preliminary investigation suggests the rider was traveling on the access road when they lost control and hit a guardrail.
The rider was ejected and was not wearing a helmet. They suffered moderate injuries and were taken to a local hospital.
No further information is available at this time.
Commentary on Motorcycle Accident off West Loop in Lubbock
It's not unusual for there to be few details available about a serious wreck so soon after it happens. However, waiting around for authorities to release more information may not be the most prudent course. The fact that the crash involved a motorcyclist only raises further concerns about whether or not the incident will really get the attention it deserves.
Motorcyclists often get short-changed due to public perception and bias against so-called "daredevil" riders. Because of a few bad apples in the bunch many riders are unfairly associated with reckless behavior by default, meaning the Lubbock rider may have to deal with some people claiming they were speeding or impaired just because they chose two wheels over four. To overcome that kind of bias they usually need clear evidence telling the real story--the kind of evidence most often found by thorough independent investigations rather than police.
Unlike private investigators police don't always have the time, equipment, or training needed to find the objective facts that tell the real story. If only law enforcement looks into the accident important details may slip through the cracks, which in the case of motorcycle crashes often results in the rider being unfairly blamed. I've seen many reports blame motorcyclists only for us to follow up and learn they did nothing wrong. A second look may be necessary here as well to ensure the victim gets the benefit of the doubt and the full story is known.
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