Dallas, TX — November 15, 2024, Preston Frederick was injured following a single-car accident at approximately 3:15 a.m. along Royal Lane.

According to authorities, 21-year-old Preston Frederick was traveling in a westbound Honda Accord on Royal Lane at the I.H. 35E overpass when the accident took place.

The cause of the accident remains unclear. Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, the Honda failed to follow the marks painted at the intersection; it was subsequently involved in a single-vehicle collision in which it apparently struck a traffic attenuation device. Frederick suffered reportedly serious injuries over the course of the accident. 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 I read about a crash like the one in Dallas that left Preston Frederick seriously injured, many people might assume it was simply a case of driver error. While that is one possibility, my experience has shown that single-vehicle accidents are often more complicated than they first appear. Instead of making assumptions, it’s important to ask the right questions to ensure that all potential contributing factors are properly examined. To that end, there are three critical questions that need to be considered.

First, did the authorities conduct a thorough investigation? Not all law enforcement agencies have the same level of resources or training for accident investigations, and some crashes receive more scrutiny than others. Did investigators consider whether poor roadway markings, unclear signage, or other environmental factors played a role? Were there any witnesses or surveillance footage that could clarify what happened? A detailed examination of the scene is crucial to understanding the full circumstances of the crash.

Second, has anyone explored the possibility of a vehicle defect? If there was a mechanical issue, such as brake failure, steering problems, or a malfunctioning driver assistance system, that could have contributed to the crash. Unfortunately, these possibilities are often overlooked unless someone specifically requests a forensic examination of the vehicle. If the car is quickly salvaged or scrapped, any evidence of a defect may be lost before it can be analyzed.

Lastly, have investigators gathered all available electronic data? Many modern vehicles are equipped with event data recorders (EDRs), commonly known as “black boxes,” that store crucial details like speed, braking, and steering inputs leading up to a crash. This data could provide insight into whether the driver attempted to avoid a hazard or if something unexpected occurred. Additionally, if the area had traffic or security cameras, that footage might help clarify the sequence of events. If this evidence isn’t secured quickly, it may be lost, making it harder to determine the full circumstances of the accident.

At the end of the day, answering these questions could be essential to understanding what really happened and why. A thorough examination of all three of these issues—including the quality of police investigations, possible vehicle defects, and electronic data—is the least that can be done to ensure that those affected by the crash receive the clarity they deserve.