Harris County, TX — October 27, 2024, Mary Acord was killed following a single-car accident shortly before 5:15 p.m. along State Highway 146.

According to authorities, 74-year-old Mary Acord and an 80-year-old man were traveling in a northbound Chevrolet Malibu on S.H. 146 in the vicinity south of S.H. 225 when the accident took place.

Details surrounding the accident remain scarce. Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, the Malibu was involved in a single-vehicle collision. Reports state that Acord suffered fatal injuries over the course of the accident. No other injuries have been reported. Additional details pertaining to this incident are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When a single-vehicle accident results in a fatality, it is essential to conduct a thorough investigation to understand how and why it happened. In my experience, addressing incidents like this requires careful attention to three critical questions.

First, did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? Single-vehicle collisions often involve complex factors, and it is important to examine the evidence thoroughly. Investigators should analyze the scene for clues such as tire marks, debris, and the vehicle’s final position to reconstruct the events leading to the crash. Witness accounts and any available surveillance or traffic camera footage could help clarify whether external factors, such as obstacles, other vehicles, or road conditions, contributed to the loss of control.

Second, has anyone considered whether a vehicle defect might have played a role in the incident? Mechanical failures, such as brake issues, steering malfunctions, or tire blowouts, can cause a vehicle to veer off course or become uncontrollable. A detailed forensic inspection of the Chevrolet Malibu is essential to identify or rule out such possibilities. Additionally, it’s important to assess whether the car’s safety features, such as seat belts and airbags, functioned as intended to protect its occupants.

Finally, has all relevant electronic data been collected? Modern vehicles like the Chevrolet Malibu are equipped with event data recorders (EDRs) that capture crucial details, such as speed, braking, and steering inputs leading up to the crash. This data can help determine whether the vehicle’s movements were consistent with driver input or indicative of mechanical or external issues. If available, nearby surveillance footage might also offer valuable context about the circumstances of the crash.

Accidents involving severe outcomes, such as fatalities, require comprehensive investigations to uncover all contributing factors. By addressing these questions, investigators can work toward providing a clearer understanding of what happened and why. A thorough investigation is the least that can be done to ensure every possible factor is carefully examined. For the loved ones of Mary Acord, obtaining these answers is an essential step toward clarity and closure.