Harris County, TX — August 12, 2024, Marisela Flores was injured following a single-car accident at approximately 1:00 a.m. along East Freeway (I.H. 10).

According to authorities, 51-year-old Marisela Flores was traveling in an eastbound Honda CR-V on Interstate Highway 10 just past the exit for McCarty when the accident took place.

The cause of the accident remains unclear. Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, the Honda failed to safely maintain its lane of travel. It reportedly veered to the right where it struck a guardrail before overcorrecting to the left. It then collided with a concrete barrier on the left side of the road.

Flores sustained serious injuries over the course of the accident, according to reports; she was transported to a local medical facility by EMS in order to receive necessary treatment. Additional details pertaining to this incident are not available at this point in time.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When a driver is seriously injured in a single-vehicle crash involving guardrails and concrete barriers, it’s tempting to conclude it was simply the result of driver error. But in my experience, particularly with early-morning crashes like this one on I.H. 10 near McCarty, such incidents often involve more than meets the eye. To understand what truly led to this crash and whether it could have been prevented, there are three key questions that should be asked.

First, did the authorities conduct a thorough investigation? A crash at 1:00 a.m. presents obvious challenges—limited visibility, fatigue, and a greater likelihood of encountering poorly marked road conditions. Investigators should have evaluated the condition of the lane markings, signage, and lighting in the area where the vehicle first veered. Was the shoulder wide enough? Were there any obstacles or changes in the road surface? If these factors weren’t documented at the scene, an independent review may be necessary to determine whether the roadway itself contributed to the vehicle leaving its lane.

Second, has anyone explored whether a mechanical issue contributed to the loss of control? Sudden veering followed by overcorrection can point to potential steering or suspension failure, brake issues, or even a problem with the vehicle’s stability control systems. Tire blowouts or uneven tread wear can also cause sudden lateral movement, particularly at highway speeds. These types of failures are not always obvious without a detailed forensic examination, and that’s only possible if the vehicle is preserved in the condition it was in immediately following the crash.

Lastly, has all the available electronic data from the vehicle been collected? Modern vehicles like the Honda CR-V typically contain event data recorders that capture vital information such as speed, steering angle, brake application, and throttle position. This data could help clarify whether the driver attempted to recover control or if the vehicle’s systems responded as expected. In addition, nearby traffic cameras or surveillance systems might have captured footage that provides insight into the sequence of events. As with all digital evidence, timing is critical to prevent the loss of potentially valuable information.

When someone suffers serious injuries in a crash and the cause is still unclear, we can’t afford to rely on assumptions. Asking these questions is the least that can be done to ensure that those affected by this crash get the clarity and closure they deserve.