A motorized bicycle crash left a local man in the hospital last Thursday. Armin Joshua Smith, 34-years-old, was riding his motorized bicycle north on the 2800 block of Pennsylvania Road around 12:45 p.m. Witnesses stated that he was near the 3900 block of Kell West Boulevard when a dog ran across the street and into his path. Smith flipped over the handlebars of his bike while trying to avoid hitting the dog.
First responders found Smith unconscious on the scene. Initially, law enforcement officials were unable to identify him. His incapacitating injuries left police officers puzzled about his identity. They even had a portion of the road blocked off for investigations. Since the wreck left him incapacitated, police officers were unable to question him. The Wichita Falls Police Department called on the community to help identify him. It wasn’t long before law enforcement officials discovered his identity. The Times Record News reports that Smith was taken to the intensive care unit at United Regional Hospital following his crash. There is still no word on his current status.
This terrible crash left some people wondering about the legality of motorized bicycles. Sergeant John Spragins, public information officer with the Wichita Falls Police Department, reported that motorized bicycles are legal. There is no word yet on what happened to the dog. Was Smith able to completely avoid the dog, or did he strike it before flipping over the bike? Questions still remain unanswered in this strange case. No information was reported on the whereabouts of the loose dog after the wreck. It is unclear whether law enforcement officials were able to locate the owner of the dog.
Farm animals aren’t the only dangers to drivers and bicyclists on the roadways. Dangerous crashes can occur when drivers encounter small pets on the roadway as well. Loose dogs and cats can be incredibly dangerous on busy roads. California highway Patrol Officer, Tamara McCormack, wants to let drivers know that it’s not always safe to swerve or make a lane change to avoid an animal. This USA Today article outlines the dangers of crashes involving animals. Motorcyclists and bicycle riders are at an increased risk when encountering loose animals on the roadway. They do not have the safety benefits of large automobiles. Motorcycles and bikes don’t come with safety belts and airbags. The team at the Altman Legal Group wishes Mr. Smith a speedy and full recovery.