Hood County, TX — January 8, 2025, Jarod Deskin was injured as the result of a car accident at around 8:00 p.m. along Farm-to-Market 4.

Authorities said in their initial details that the accident happened at the intersection of Lipan Highway and Rocky Branch Highway.

It appears that 26-year-old Jarod Deskin was the driver of a Honda Civic traveling northbound along F.M. 4. For reasons not clear right now, the vehicle ended up going off-road where it then crashed into a culvert.

Due to the accident, Deskin sustained serious injuries. Reports did not mention anyone else being involved in the accident. Additional details are unavailable.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

Single-vehicle accidents are rarely as simple as people may think. There are many factors that could be involved, and victims and families don't always get the answers they deserve. That's why it's sometimes necessary to ask a few key questions to gauge if investigations are proceeding as needed.

The first question is whether authorities had the time and tools. Serious accidents require a significant investment of resources to piece together what happened, but many departments are stretched thin or lack the proper equipment for detailed accident reconstruction. A vehicle leaving the road and hitting a culvert could involve hazards like debris, poor signage, or environmental factors such as lighting or wet pavement. If investigators don’t have the time or tools to fully examine the scene, important details could easily slip through the cracks.

The second question is whether a vehicle defect could have contributed to the crash. Mechanical failures, such as brake or steering malfunctions, can cause sudden loss of control, and safety equipment failures like seatbelts or airbags could worsen injuries. A thorough forensic inspection of the vehicle is essential to uncover any defects that might explain the crash or its severity.

Finally, was all electronic evidence collected and reviewed? Vehicles store valuable data in their Engine Control Modules (ECMs), such as speed, braking, and steering inputs leading up to the crash. Additionally, cellphone activity, GPS logs, or nearby surveillance footage could provide insights into what caused the vehicle to go off the road. Acting quickly to preserve this evidence is critical to ensuring nothing is lost.

Details may ultimately show that authorities have been able to answer these questions so that the victim's loved ones know they're getting the whole story. However, they may instead show that the crash needs to be in the hands of more experienced or better-equipped investigators. Either way, these questions can help victims and families make a more informed decision about the best course of action for their needs.