Washington County, TX — November 6, 2024, one person was injured in a single-vehicle accident at about 12:30 a.m. on U.S. Route 29.

A preliminary accident report indicates a 2007 Ford F-150 hit a median barrier and overturned while headed west on U.S. 29.

The driver, a 28-year-old man from Seagoville, suffered suspected serious injuries in the crash, according to authorities. His name has not been made public.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the Washington County crash.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When I see a report like this, my first thought is that I hope the injured driver gets the answers he needs about what caused this crash. A vehicle striking a median barrier and overturning is always concerning, and while the report confirms what happened, it does not explain why. To truly understand the situation, three critical questions must be asked.

First, did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? Determining why the truck left its lane and struck the barrier requires a careful analysis of factors such as road conditions, visibility and whether the driver attempted to brake or steer before impact. Since this crash happened just after midnight, did poor lighting or an unexpected hazard contribute? Were there any witnesses or nearby surveillance cameras that might have captured the events leading up to the crash? A complete investigation should go beyond just documenting the scene: it should seek to explain what caused the loss of control.

Second, has anyone looked into the possibility that a vehicle defect contributed to the crash? The Ford F-150 involved in this crash is nearly 20 years old, meaning mechanical failures — such as brake malfunctions, steering issues or tire blowouts — could have played a role. If a sudden mechanical issue caused the driver to lose control, that would significantly change the understanding of the crash. Unfortunately, vehicle defects are rarely considered in crash investigations because most police departments lack the resources to conduct a forensic mechanical review. If the truck is repaired or scrapped before an expert can inspect it, critical evidence may never be uncovered.

Third, has all the electronic data relating to the crash been collected? The Ford F-150’s engine control module (ECM) may contain key information, such as speed, braking input and steering movements before impact. Additionally, nearby security cameras or dashcams may have recorded footage that could help clarify what happened. Without this data, investigators may only have partial details, leaving important questions unanswered.

At the end of the day, crashes like this leave those involved searching for explanations. The least we can do as a community is ensure that every possible step is taken to uncover the full truth.