Corpus Christi, TX — September 19, 2024, Kaylee Butts was killed in a car accident at about 7 a.m. in the 4800 block of Old Brownsville Road.

A preliminary accident report indicates a 2013 Nissan Juke collided head-on with a 2017 Ram 1500 when both vehicles were in the left turn lane.

Nissan driver Kaylee Butts, 31, died in the crash, according to authorities. The Ram driver, a 59-year-old man, was not injured.

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

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When I read about a crash like this, my first thought is that I hope those affected, especially the family of the driver who lost her life, receive clear and complete answers about what happened. A head-on collision occurring in a left turn lane is a highly unusual and concerning scenario. While initial reports provide a basic account, they raise serious questions about how two vehicles ended up in opposing directions in the same lane. To fully understand what happened on Old Brownsville Road, we need to ask three critical questions.

First, did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? A detailed crash reconstruction is essential here. Which vehicle entered the turn lane improperly, and why? Were lane markings clearly visible and properly aligned? Were there any confusing signs, poor lighting or worn striping that could have led either driver to misjudge their position? These kinds of questions are particularly important in turn lane incidents, where roadway design, traffic patterns and driver assumptions all play a role. Without a full scene analysis and witness statements, the true sequence of events may be misinterpreted or missed altogether.

Second, has anyone looked into whether a vehicle defect might have contributed to the crash? Both vehicles involved in the crash should both be evaluated for mechanical or electronic issues that may have impacted their operation. Did either vehicle experience steering problems, brake failure or sensor malfunctions that could have caused a drift into the wrong lane? Was the roadway geometry misinterpreted due to a GPS error or driver-assist system malfunction? These are important questions that can only be answered if both vehicles are preserved for inspection.

Finally, has all the electronic data related to the crash been collected? Both vehicles are equipped with engine control modules that can capture critical pre-crash data: speed, steering input, braking and throttle position. This data can help clarify what maneuvers each driver made prior to the collision. Additionally, any available traffic camera or business surveillance footage could help pinpoint the positioning of the vehicles before impact. As always, time is of the essence when it comes to preserving digital and physical evidence.

Crashes like this deserve a full, fact-based investigation. A woman lost her life, and given the rare nature of a head-on collision in a left turn lane, it’s critical not to settle for assumptions. Only by asking the right questions, preserving the evidence and exploring every possible contributing factor can we give those affected the clarity and accountability they deserve.