Fort Worth, TX — December 17, 2024, a woman was killed in a pedestrian versus car accident shortly before 8:00 p.m. along Mansfield Highway.

According to authorities, a woman was on foot crossing the street at the Ollie Street and Mansfield Highway intersection when the accident took place.

Details surrounding the accident remain unclear. Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, the woman was struck by a motor vehicle. She apparently suffered fatal injuries, according to reports, and was declared deceased at the scene. 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 I hear about an accident like the one along Mansfield Highway that claimed the life of a pedestrian, my first thought is that the victim’s loved ones deserve clear answers about what happened and why. Early reports indicate that a woman crossing the street was fatally struck by a vehicle, but the circumstances of the collision remain unclear. Understanding the causes of such incidents requires answering three critical questions.

First, did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? Pedestrian accidents, particularly those occurring at intersections like Ollie Street and Mansfield Highway, often involve multiple contributing factors such as visibility, traffic patterns, and driver attentiveness. A comprehensive investigation should include a detailed analysis of the crash scene, interviews with any witnesses, and an evaluation of whether traffic control devices like signals or crosswalks were functioning as intended. However, it’s important to recognize that the quality of such investigations can vary depending on the resources and training available to the responding agency. Gaps in the initial investigation could leave unanswered questions about what led to the collision.

Second, has anyone explored whether a vehicle defect might have played a role in the accident? While pedestrian accidents are often attributed to driver error, it’s also important to consider whether a mechanical issue with the vehicle could have contributed. Problems such as brake failure, steering malfunctions, or faulty lighting could prevent a driver from avoiding a pedestrian in time. Without a forensic examination of the vehicle, it’s difficult to determine whether such factors were involved. Unfortunately, vehicles are often repaired or scrapped before these types of inspections can occur, making it essential to act quickly to preserve this potential evidence.

Lastly, has all electronic data related to the crash been collected? Many modern vehicles are equipped with event data recorders (EDRs) that can provide valuable insights into the driver’s actions at the time of the collision, such as braking or steering inputs. Surveillance footage from nearby businesses, traffic cameras, or dashcams could also shed light on the sequence of events. Additionally, examining cell phone records could help determine whether driver distraction played a role. Gathering and preserving this data promptly is crucial to avoid losing important evidence.

Answering these three questions is critical to understanding the full story of what happened at this intersection. Pedestrian accidents can have many contributing factors, and it’s vital that all possibilities are thoroughly explored. For the woman’s loved ones, as well as the community, ensuring a diligent investigation into this incident is the least that can be done to provide clarity and accountability. By addressing the thoroughness of the investigation, considering the potential role of vehicle defects, and securing all available electronic data, we can help ensure that no detail is overlooked in determining the cause of this fatal collision.