Motorcyclist Killed in Houston, TX, Accident on Lockwood
Houston, TX -- January 29, 2017, a man was killed as the result of an accident where his motorcycle collided with a vehicle being towed on Lockwood Drive.
The Houston Police Department were called out to the intersection of Lockwood Drive and Firnat Street at around 1:30 p.m.
Upon their investigation, they determined that a man was driving a Dodge pickup eastbound on Firnat towing a GMC Envoy behind him. He came to the stop sign at Lockwood, reportedly coming to a stop before continuing through the intersection.
As he did so, a 74-year-old man was traveling southbound down Lockwood on a motorcycle. The GMC Envoy was in the intersection as the motorcycle approached, and the rider could not stop in time. The motorcycle collided into the side of the towed vehicle.
The man was ejected from the motorcycle, sustaining critical injuries in the process. EMS took him to a nearby hospital where he was later pronounced dead.
Authorities suggested that a fence at the intersection may have limited the vision of the motorcyclist, making it difficult to see the intersection. The driver of the pickup did not face any charges immediately following the crash.
At this time, Houston authorities continue to investigate the incident.
Map of the Area
Commentary
The details in this accident are a little bit perplexing, and I can't help but feel there is information we're not seeing. Reports say the victim was southbound on the motorcycle, the pickup driver eastbound. The report also states the victim's view may have been obstructed. Looking at the intersection, however, the area seems pretty open, and I'm not sure how it's possible that a fence would have blocked the motorcyclist's vision.
View from the Street
The intersection of Lockwood and Firnat, the reported location of the fatal crash.
Google Maps
The fence might obstruct a portion of Firnat, but it doesn't block the view of the roadway in the middle of the intersection. Perhaps reports meant to say the pickup driver couldn't see past the fence? Maybe they got the directions of the vehicles wrong? Either way, this uncertainty is a common occurrence in preliminary police reports, and it's a good example of why I always advocate for private investigations.
By conducting a thorough, independent investigation outside of a police report, victims and their families can better ensure that all of the details surrounding an accident are examined and preserved. Sometimes this can correct information police got wrong, find new details previously missed, or simply confirm beyond doubt what police reports have already said. By getting a professional to look at the accident, all possible factors can be extensively considered so that those affected by the crash can move forward with all of the necessary details at hand.
--Grossman Law Offices
[jump]